In a recent session of the Rajasthan Assembly, Public Health Engineering Minister Kanhaiyalal Choudhary assured lawmakers that the state government is working hard to prevent chemical wastewater from Punjab from contaminating Rajasthan’s rivers and canals.
Choudhary explained that Rajasthan has set up 57 sewage treatment plants (STPs) in the Sutlej river basin to stop harmful chemicals from entering, and 10 more STPs are currently under construction. These efforts aim to keep Rajasthan’s water clean and safe.
He also responded to questions about water quality, mentioning that the water coming into Rajasthan through the Indira Gandhi Feeder and Bikaner Canal is monitored in real-time. Reports on water quality are updated every hour at the Hanumangarh office of the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board and Water Resources Department. So far, the drinking water supplied to residents meets all safety standards.
The Minister highlighted that chemical waste from factories in Jalandhar, Punjab, flows into the Sutlej River and reaches Rajasthan through the Harike Barrage and connected canals. Despite ongoing concerns, Rajasthan has repeatedly asked Punjab to treat wastewater properly before releasing it into their canals.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has also directed Punjab authorities to prevent pollution at the source. The National Green Tribunal (NGT), a key environmental watchdog, ordered the formation of a monitoring committee to oversee pollution control efforts. This committee has directed Punjab to build and operate adequate Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs), and sewage treatment plants, along with preparing a detailed action plan. The NGT has also asked Punjab’s Chief Secretary to review these measures every month to ensure they are followed.
Meanwhile, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering farmers. He stated that current schemes and policies are focused on their all-around development and encouraging their participation in Rajasthan’s growth plan, Viksit Rajasthan-2047.
The Chief Minister also directed officials to ensure timely implementation of budget promises so that farmers and cattle rearers can benefit directly. During a review meeting at the Chief Minister’s Office, Sharma encouraged the adoption of advanced farming technologies and the expansion of services for farmers to boost agriculture as an employment-generating sector.
Rajasthan continues to work toward a greener, cleaner environment while supporting its farmers’ progress.
