Punjab: The Governor of Punjab has sought a report from the administration in light of the critical situation regarding water in the canals of the Malwa region. According to officials, following reports regarding the presence of toxic elements in the canal water, the Governor has issued directives to assess the situation in four districts of Malwa—Moga, Faridkot, Bathinda, and Mansa.
The Governor’s office stated that the canal water is utilized for both agricultural and drinking purposes. If it contains toxic elements, it could pose a grave threat directly to the health of farmers, livestock, and the local population. The Governor has asked the State Government and the Water Department to submit a detailed report immediately.
Officials informed that chemical testing of the water in the canals of the Malwa region has been yielding alarming results for some time now. Several farmers and villagers have lodged complaints with the local administration, alleging that the canal water is damaging crops after irrigation and is unfit for drinking.
A senior official from the Water Resources Department stated that, following the Governor’s orders, a technical team will immediately visit the region. The team will collect water samples and conduct various chemical and biological tests. Based on these findings, the quality of the canal water, the presence of hazardous elements, and the affected areas will be identified.
Experts warn that if toxic elements are detected in the canal, it would not only endanger farmers’ crops but also pose a serious challenge to human health and livestock rearing. They have urged the administration to implement immediate relief measures, such as installing filtration systems and ensuring alternative sources of drinking water.
The local administration has already issued a warning, directing that farmers in the affected districts be apprised of the water situation and provided with guidelines for crop protection. The Governor has also made it clear that this is a matter of extreme gravity and will be monitored directly at his level.
The Governor has directed all concerned departments to ensure that the report encompasses not only the water quality but also the potential sources of contamination, along with recommendations for the repair or improvement of the canal infrastructure. Furthermore, he emphasized that the public must be immediately apprised of any potential risks or hazards.
A sense of anxiety prevails among the citizens and farmers of the Malwa region. Local leaders and farmers’ organizations have also demanded that the government take immediate action. They stated that it is absolutely essential to detect and resolve the toxic condition of the canal water in a timely manner.
