(MOREPIC1)Raj Sadosh/Abohar.
Srikaranpur MLA Rupinder Singh Ruby has raised people’s concern over waterlogging arising due to the abnormal rise in groundwater levels in Sriganganagar. He demanded in the state Vidhan Sabha immediate and effective solutions. Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully also supported Ruby and criticized the government. Jully said that the government should come up with a concrete plan for resolution.
MLA Ruby said that in Sriganganagar city, the groundwater level has risen to three to four feet. In some areas, it has reached zero level, causing water to fill basements of shops, buildings, and homes. People are forced to install permanent motors to pump out this water, resulting not only in heavy financial losses but also significant daily hardships. If this problem persists, residents of Sriganganagar will be compelled to migrate. He said that the problem is not limited to Sriganganagar city (neighbouring Abohar) alone but is spreading to other areas in the district.
Rajasthan Public Health Engineering Minister Kanhaiya Lal Choudhary said that excessive rainfall and flood conditions in Punjab in recent years are the root cause of rising groundwater level in Sriganganagar. Heavy rainfall in Muktsar and Fazilka district and excess water in the rivers have led to the waterlogging problem, which has gradually spread from Abohar rural areas to Sriganganagar.
The minister said that to resolve the waterlogging problem, Sriganganagar district collector has formed a study committee comprising various departments. This committee is visiting the affected areas to assess the problem. Additionally, the measures being adopted in the nearby Abohar area to deal with similar issues are also being studied.