Jaipur: Groundwater minister Kanhaiya Lal Wednesday said that the state govt is making efforts to resolve the problem of zero or near-zero groundwater levels leading to waterlogging in parts of Sriganganagar district.Replying to supplementary questions raised by MLA Rupinder Singh Kunnar during Question Hour that near-zero groundwater levels made farming impossible in large parts of three constituencies—Raisinghnagar, Suratgarh and Karanpur—the minister said that three constituencies were affected by the problem. Explaining the causes of the problem, Kanhaiya Lal said, “The primary reasons for the situation in Sriganganagar are seepage from canals and accumulation of rainwater. Continuous flooding in Punjab’s Muktsar district led to a rise in water levels towards the south-west, impacting parts of Sriganganagar. Record rainfall this year in Sutlej, Ravi and Beas rivers also resulted in waterlogging and flood-like conditions in Karanpur,” he said. Lal said a joint inspection committee comprising officials from various departments was constituted by the Sriganganagar district collector to study the impact of waterlogging on buildings and agriculture and to suggest solutions. “Drain construction works are being carried out in Padampura and Sangeeta areas to address this issue. In addition, relining of the Indira Gandhi Canal will also be undertaken.” The minister said the committee would also visit affected areas in Punjab to study management practices adopted there. “The department is continuously monitoring groundwater levels,” he added.
