CHANDIGARH, APRIL 18— Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the Council of Ministers have cleared a strategic policy to improve river flow by permitting landowners to conduct desilting operations on their lands. The decision, aimed at protecting communities from seasonal flooding, allows participants to retain excavated silt and sand for personal use without cost.
The policy specifically targets the Sutlej, Beas, and Siswan rivers, among other local waterways. The Chief Minister’s Office stated that the Cabinet has also given approval to a policy for permitting concerned landowners to undertake desilting of rivers, choes, and drains at their own cost and to utilize the excavated material free of cost for their own use. Officials noted that this method ensures that desilting reaches are cleared quickly before the 2026–27 monsoon begins.
By identifying nine high-priority zones, the government intends to prevent the silt build-up that historically contributes to overflowing banks. The spokesperson asserted that the initiative will facilitate expeditious desilting of critical reaches, enhance the carrying capacity of rivers and significantly reduce the risk of floods, thereby safeguarding public and private property. This approach addresses the issue of non-responsive sites where previous government efforts faced logistical delays.
Beyond environmental safety, the Cabinet approved revisions to the 1994 Punjab Reservation rules for local body leaders. This amendment seeks to balance the distribution of seats among various demographics, including Scheduled Castes and women. Government representatives declared that in case 10 percent or more of the total number of Zila Parishads in the State are affected, the roster for rotation of the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Caste Women, Women and General Categories shall be prepared afresh. This measure ensures that political representation remains fair and reflective of current data across the state’s panchayat systems.
