Punjab Inks Deal for Water Conservation and Management Initiatives
In a move to enhance water conservation and management initiatives, the Punjab Government signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a private company. This historic agreement, the first of its kind in Punjab, was formalized between the Department of Soil and Water Conservation and Kuantum Papers Ltd., a paper company headquartered in Hoshiarpur.
In the presence of Chetan Singh Jauramajra, the Minister for Soil and Water Conservation, the event occurred. The minister noted that this collaboration with a private sector organization marked a pioneering development in the state. Jauramajra emphasized that this initiative represented the inaugural engagement of the private sector in the state's water conservation efforts.
"It will significantly boost the government’s water conservation programs and lay the groundwork for future public-private collaborations", said the minister. He outlined that under this MoU the company will provide funding for both new and ongoing projects related to water resource conservation and management through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds or specifically allocated funds.
The allocated funds are designated for various purposes such as building check dams, implementing efficient irrigation systems, and utilizing treated water. The state confronts a critical groundwater situation, with nearly 80 percent of its area categorized as over-exploited. Experts warn that without remedial measures, the depletion of this vital natural resource is imminent, posing a serious threat to the region.
