Punjab to import trenching machines to curb water-logging

Punjab government will import trenching machines from Holland to solve the water logging problem affecting over 80,000 acres of fertile land in the state, especially in the Malwa area.
The area under water logging was brought down from 1.04 lakh acres to 80,000 acres by the state government, an official spokesman said here today.
The problem of water logging is acute in Muktsar and Fazilka districts of the state.
"It is also posing health hazards as people under water logging affected areas face the risk of contracting cancer," he said.
An order amounting to Rs 20 crore has been placed with Inter drain company, Netherland (Holand) for purchase of four trenching machines as well as lay the underground pipes for sub surface schemes, the official said.

The machines will reach Punjab next month, he said.
An area of 12,882 acres in about 53 villages will be benefited from the equipment, he added.