Seechewal model of cleaning village ponds is to be replicated in 67 villages of Bhawanigarh block, informed Cabinet Minister Vijayinder Singla during the fourth day of 'Sangrur Vikas Yatra'. He said that to begin with,'' we have introduced this model as a pilot project in these villages and after working out certain modalities, we would soon roll it out to the entire constituency.''Sharing the project details, he informed that for cleaning for ponds in around 67 villages of Bhawanigarh block nearly Rs.14 crore would be spent and the labour would be chipped in under MGNREGA scheme.Singla said that at present, the ponds in almost all villages have become polluted and are in bad condition due to inflow of waste water into them .Health and environmental issues emanating from these ponds are the cause of many diseases among people of villages. So, treatment of pond water and cleanliness is the need of the hour.Giving details about cleaning and remodeling of ponds,the Minister said that the scope of the project includes digging and remodeling of ponds for natural recharging and rainwater harvesting, treatment of waste water, landscaping of the pond area by tree/ grass/ flower plantation and making provision for pumping of clean water for irrigation purposes wherever required .
He said that the timeline slated for the completion of the work is approximately three months i.e before the onset of rainy season.The fourth day of the 'Sangrur Vikas Yatra' witnessed coverage of 11 villages by traversing approx 23 km on foot by the Minister and the rural enthusiasts accompanying him.The special feature of the yatra was a charitable camp organised at village Jolian in Bhawanigarh block, for the 'Early Detection of Cancer.' Giving details, Singla informed that as per the reports there is a high incidence of Cancer in Sangrur. In order to help the people fight the malady, attempts are on for early detection and treatment of cancer. Since, the treatment is expensive and difficult if cancer is not detected at an early stage so "We have organised a camp for early detection of Oral, Breast and Cervical Cancer with the help of team of specialists from Tata Memorial Centre,Mumbai. All the expenses of the camp which are approximately to the tune of Rs.2 crore are being met by philanthropists roped in for the cause and the facility is being extended to people absolutely free of cost". The doctors have covered village Gharacho and Jolian and will continue contacting people door to door and motivate the suspected cases to come forward for free detection/treatment services,informed Singla.Enroute, Singla interacted with villagers to get the first hand information on the percolation of benefits of various welfare schemes being run by the State Government and also disbursed grants worth Rs.45 lakhs to different Panchyats .The Minister also distributed Baby Grooming Kits for the newborns at village Dyalpura.