Bhagwant Mann has reported encouraging signs in groundwater management, with the number of over-exploited groundwater blocks in the state declining from 115 to 110 over a two-year period, according to a study cited by The Tribune.

Bhagwant Mann: Punjab Sees Improvement in Groundwater Status

The development has been highlighted by the AAP Punjab government as an indication that efforts to improve water management and reduce dependence on groundwater are beginning to show results.

One of the key developments is the increased availability of canal water at the tail ends of irrigation networks. Better access to canal water can help farmers reduce their reliance on groundwater for agricultural activities, particularly in areas where groundwater extraction has remained high.

One of the key developments is the increased availability of canal water at the tail ends

According to the figures shared by AAP Punjab, groundwater use for agriculture has declined in 95 blocks. The reduction is being seen as an important step towards easing pressure on the state’s rapidly depleting underground water reserves.

The study also indicates that five blocks previously categorised among the critically over-exploited areas have moved out of the list. The change points towards an improvement in groundwater conditions in these areas.

Punjab has long faced concerns over excessive groundwater extraction, largely because of the state’s agriculture-intensive economy and heavy dependence on groundwater for irrigation. In several parts of the state, farmers have traditionally relied on tube wells to meet irrigation requirements.

The growing availability of canal water at the farthest ends of irrigation networks could help address this dependence. When canal supplies reach tail-end villages more consistently, farmers have greater access to surface water and may need to operate groundwater pumps less frequently.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann attended the religious gathering ‘Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam’ in Rajpura, Patiala, and highlighted the importance of communal harmony, unity and brotherhood in the state.

Bhagwant Mann Attends ‘Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam’ Event in Rajpura

Sharing his experience from the event, Mann said he felt deeply reassured after witnessing the large gathering of devotees who had assembled to participate in the programme dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Calls for Peace and Unity in Punjab

The Chief Minister said the atmosphere of devotion at the religious event reflected Punjab’s strong tradition of faith and social harmony. He also used the occasion to emphasise the importance of maintaining peace and mutual respect among people.

Mann said that Punjab’s soil has the potential to nurture every positive idea, but stressed that hatred has no place in the state’s social fabric. He described mutual understanding, togetherness and unity as Punjab’s greatest strengths.

The Chief Minister reiterated his vision of restoring Punjab’s identity as ‘Rangla Punjab’, a phrase commonly associated with the state’s vibrant culture, prosperity and spirit of togetherness.

According to Mann, building a stronger Punjab requires people to remain united and work collectively for the state’s development. He stressed that social harmony should remain at the centre of Punjab’s journey towards progress.

The gathering in Rajpura brought together a large number of devotees, creating an atmosphere of religious devotion and celebration. Mann’s participation added a political and public dimension to the event, where he interacted with people and shared his message of unity.

Bhagwant Mann: The cleanliness campaign under Mission Clean Punjab continued with increased activity in Nangal on its fourth day, with sanitation teams carrying out cleaning operations across different wards of the city.

Bhagwant Mann : Mission Clean Punjab

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab said that the cleanliness initiative is being implemented across cities in the state as part of the Punjab government’s broader effort to improve sanitation and public hygiene.

According to Punjab Cabinet Minister Harjot Singh Bains, cleaning activities are being conducted daily in every ward of Nangal. Sanitation workers and teams are visiting different localities to address cleanliness-related concerns and improve conditions in public areas.

The campaign is not restricted to routine cleaning

The campaign is not restricted to routine cleaning, with officials also interacting with residents during visits. People’s concerns and other civic problems are being heard on the ground so that relevant issues can be identified and addressed.

The fourth day of the campaign saw sanitation work continuing at several locations in Nangal. The initiative aims to encourage cleaner neighbourhoods and improve the overall urban environment through regular and focused cleaning activities.

The Punjab government has launched the cleanliness campaign across cities with an emphasis on improving sanitation services at the local level. Regular ward-wise visits are intended to ensure that cleaning work reaches residential areas rather than remaining limited to major roads and public spaces.

Officials are also engaging with residents to understand problems related to sanitation and other civic services. Such interactions can help authorities identify areas requiring additional attention and improve coordination between municipal teams and local communities.

Bhagwant Mann has stepped up its campaign against illegal narcotics, arresting 55 alleged drug smugglers and recovering heroin, opium, intoxicant pills and suspected drug money during its latest crackdown across the state.

Bhagwant Mann Arrest 55 Drug Smugglers

The operation was carried out as part of the Punjab Police’s continuing #YudhNashianVirudh campaign, aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks and reducing the availability of narcotic substances in Punjab.

Recover Heroin and Opium in Statewide Crackdown

According to the police, the latest action resulted in the recovery of 2.4 kg of heroin, 28 kg of opium and 75 intoxicant pills. Officers also seized ₹15,650 in suspected drug money from the accused during the operations.

The arrests represent another step in the police’s ongoing efforts to identify and dismantle networks involved in the illegal supply and distribution of drugs. Law enforcement agencies have been conducting targeted operations to prevent narcotics from reaching local communities.

The Punjab Police’s Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) has also been playing a key role in the state’s efforts to combat organised drug trafficking. The latest arrests and seizures underline the continued focus on targeting those allegedly involved in the drug trade.

Police action, however, has not been limited to arrests and seizures. Authorities are also focusing on helping people struggling with substance dependence. During the latest drive, eight individuals were counselled and persuaded to undergo de-addiction and rehabilitation treatment.

The rehabilitation component of the campaign is aimed at encouraging people affected by drug addiction to seek professional support and return to a healthier and more productive life. It also highlights the police’s broader approach of combining enforcement with awareness and rehabilitation measures.