Fluoride-hit Fazilka to get water from Rajasthan throughout the year

For the residents of Punjab's Fazilka district hit by high level of fluoride in groundwater, there is some good news. The Rajasthan government has decided to release water to Gang canal that supplies water to Fazilka and nearby areas throughout the year. Earlier, the water was only for the six months — March to September — to coincide with the crop cycle.

The water was released into the Gang canal on Sunday. For this, a 14-km long pipeline costing at Rs 12.51 crore was laid to connect the Rajasthan canal to Gang Canal by the Punjab government and was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal.

This project will make the canal water available to the residents throughout the year. "Now, the health problems like joint problems, gums problem etc will be over. Our residents need not to drink ground water anymore. We took special permission for 7 cusec water in Gang canal from Centre and even from Rajasthan government," said Forest Minister Surjit Kumar Jayani.

Out of the five cusec water, two cusec will be given to Army and the rest for the city residents, said Jayani.

Authorities believe that five cusec water will be enough for the needs of the city residents. As of now, a large number of residents in Fazilka suffer from arthritis, poor oral health due to high fluoride content in ground water.

In return for the Gang canal water, Punjab will give provide more water to Rajasthan from Harike.

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