Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Sunday alleged that the Bhagwant Mann-led state government is responsible for the supply of poisonous water through canals to a large part of the Malwa region. Speaking after inspecting canals and seepage drains in the Abohar constituency, Jakhar urged the chief minister to prioritize the welfare of the people instead of protecting corrupt officials.
Jakhar's Video Message Highlights Water Crisis
In a video message shared on social media, Jakhar stated, "Poisonous black water is flowing through the canals, and seepage drains are not being cleaned. This toxic water is causing illnesses among the people, and the uncleaned drains are destroying kinnow orchards, which are a symbol of crop diversification in Fazilka district. Wake up, chief minister, wake up."
The senior leader further criticized the CM for boasting about lining water channels with central government grants and claiming to deliver water to tail-end areas, while ignoring the black, polluted water flowing through the canals. Jakhar alleged that fish are dying in water bodies due to contamination, and the water is not even fit for drinking.
Sewage Mixing and Drain Neglect
Jakhar pointed out that sewage water has mixed into the canals, producing a foul and poisonous smell that poses a serious threat to humans, agriculture, and animals. He noted that the polluted water has been flowing for over a month, yet the government continues to ignore the issue. The BJP leader also highlighted that seepage drains have not been cleaned, leading to flood-like conditions during the rainy season and aggravating seepage problems.
As a result, thousands of acres of kinnow orchards, planted under crop diversification initiatives in Fazilka district, have been destroyed. Jakhar alleged that since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) came to power, kinnow orchards have been continuously uprooted.
Warning and Assurance
Jakhar demanded that the Mann government immediately clean the seepage drains, warning that the situation could turn dangerous during the monsoon season. However, he assured local farmers that they only have to endure this "bad government" for one more rainy season, as the BJP would resolve these problems permanently if given a chance in the 2027 assembly elections.
AAP Workers Protest
Meanwhile, the local unit of the AAP staged a dharna opposite Jakhar's residence in Abohar's Subhash Nagar area on Sunday. MLAs Narinder Pal Singh Sarna, Jagdeep Kamboj, Amandeep Singh Kamboj, Abohar assembly constituency in-charge Arun Narang, and Fazilka district unit chief Upkar Singh participated in the protest. They condemned the BJP-led Centre for allegedly misusing the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to destabilize the elected AAP government in Punjab.
