Punjab approves to waive off water charges

Badal also approved the proposal of State Irrigation Department to waive off arrears of water charges of Rs 6.50 cr

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today gave his nod to waive off water charges amounting to Rs 4 crore, levied for maintenance of tubewells set up in Kandi and other areas in the state.

Besides, Badal also approved the proposal of State Irrigation Department to waive off arrears of water charges worth Rs 6.50 crore.

An official spokesman said the state government would now bear the entire expenditure on this count and subsequently provide funds to the Punjab Water Resources Management & Development Corporation for operation, repair and maintenance of tubewells.

The Corporation collects Rs 4 crore annually from consumers in Kandi and other areas in the state for maintenance of tubewells.