In a bid to bolster water conservation and management efforts, the Punjab Government today inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kuantum Papers Ltd. The agreement, signed between the Department of Soil and Water Conservation, Punjab and the Hoshiarpur-based paper company, took place in the presence of S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra Minister for Soil and Water Conservation, Punjab.
Highlighting the commitment of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government to preserving natural resources, the Cabinet Minister said that this groundbreaking partnership with a private sector entity is the first of its kind. This collaboration will facilitate the company's support and financing for the state's water conservation and management initiatives.
S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra remarked that this unique initiative will bolster the private sector's involvement in the state's water conservation for the first time. While welcoming the partnership, the Cabinet Minister stated, "it will significantly boost the government's water conservation programs and lay the groundwork for future public-private collaborations."
The Soil and Water Conservation Minister outlined that under this MoU, the company will provide funding for both new and ongoing projects related to water resource conservation and management through the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds or specifically allocated funds. The initiatives earmarked for funding include the construction of check dams, implementation of efficient irrigation systems, utilization of treated water etc.
Notably, established in 1979-80, Kuantum Papers Ltd is one of the major paper manufacturing unit based in Village Sailakhurd, District Hoshiarpur. Mr. Drishinder Singh Sandhawalia, the company's Director, expressed interest in forging a long-term partnership with the Punjab Government, pledging to invest in various government-led water conservation initiatives.
At the event, Mr. KAP Sinha, Special Chief Secretary, Soil & Water Conservation asked the department to devise more innovative and efficient techniques for water conservation in the agriculture sector. S. Mohinder Singh Saini, Chief Conservator of Soils, Punjab extended gratitude to the company representatives for collaborating with the state government in the vital mission to preserve the state's water resources.
It is worth mentioning that state is facing a precarious ground water situation with almost 80% of its area under over-exploited category and if immediate remedial steps are not taken, the day is not far when we run out of this precious natural resource.