Punjab, as the name suggests, is the land of five rivers and endowed with good quality surface water resources through rivers & streams, as well as, underground water reservoirs.
However, demand of water is growing in agriculture, domestic, industrial and commercial sectors with growing population and their needs, leading to over- exploitation of water resources.
Three comprehensive Action Plans for Clean River Sutlej, Beas & Ghaggar have been prepared by Department of Environment, Punjab in consultation with relevant stakeholder departments. The Action Plans aims to restore the river water quality to prescribed standards to ensure ecological balance and socio-economic well-being of the people.
The identification of sources of pollution, measures to control pollution within prescribed timelines, integration of departmental plans, regular monitoring and review, etc. are the key components of Action Plans.
A separate Action Plan for reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation & other purposes has been also prepared by Department of Environment.
Acts, Rules & NGT Orders
This section focuses on relevant Acts and Rules enacted to regulate water pollution levels. Water quality related National Green Tribunal’s directions to the state are also cited.
Implementation & Monitoring
The progress w.r.t implementation of Action Plans is being reviewed on monthly basis by District Level Special Task Force under respective Deputy Commissioners, River Rejuvenation Committee constituted under Chairmanship of Principal Secretary, Department of Environment; State Level Apex Committee under Chairmanship of Chief Secretary and Monitoring Committee constituted by NGT under Chairmanship of Justice Pritam Pal, former judge of Punjab & Haryana High Court.