Chandigarh, Oct 9 — The Punjab government has rolled out an integrated management plan to restore and protect a 185-km stretch of the Beas River, aiming to tackle decades of pollution and ecological degradation.
Officials said the river, which supports thousands of people and a rich aquatic ecosystem, has been severely affected by untreated sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and encroachment along its banks. The new initiative seeks to reverse the damage through a series of scientific and community-driven measures.
As part of the plan, the state will install automated pollution monitoring stations to track water quality in real time. Annual “Wetland Health Cards” will be introduced to assess ecological indicators and ensure transparency in environmental data.
The project also focuses on involving local villages in sustainable agricultural practices and solid waste management to reduce non-point pollution sources. Additionally, efforts will be made to restore native vegetation, control invasive species, and regulate river flow to improve biodiversity and support fish populations.
Officials added that the plan aligns with Punjab’s broader environmental strategy to rejuvenate its rivers and wetlands, ensuring clean water, better livelihoods, and ecological balance across the region.
