Punjab is all set to roll out a plan to execute rejuvenation and renovation of village ponds in 12,673 villages across the State.
“The renovation of village ponds would be done on priority basis to ensure pollution free environment, maintenance and creation of old and new green belts,” said the State Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Sikander Singh Maluka on Tuesday.
He said that in the absence of any treatment plants, ponds become the prominent disposal points for the waste water in the state. “1.73 crore people, which is roughly two-third population live in 12,673 villages, whereas rural population is directly depended upon farming for its livelihood,” he said.
“Ponds are significant resource of water in village life that has been located at panchayat land. Repairing and cleaning has been neglected over a long period. Now, the Government has decided to restore these ponds and increase their water holding capacity,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of ponds in village economy, he said that ponds are easiest and cheapest source of recharging ground water.
“Project is designed to cover 12,282 ponds. Rural development And Panchayats Department is responsible for complete financial and physical controls for getting the project implemented as per specified schedule,” he said.