category Regional, chandigarh, , tags Regional, chandigarh, , DW BUREAU Chandigarh During the maiden meetings with officials of the water resources and mining geology departments, Punjab Cabinet Minister Chetan Singh Jauramajra on Tuesday directed to enhance the monitoring system, preserve properties from illegal occupation and prevent excessive depletion of groundwater. While chairing the meetings in the committee room of Markfed Bhawan, S. Chetan Singh Jauramajra emphasized the need for increased transparency in development projects. He reiterated a zero-tolerance policy towards lackadaisical attitude and substandard quality in work and equipment purchases. During the meeting with officials of the water resources department, the cabinet minister emphasized the need for increased transparency and efficiency in their work. He urged officials to actively address illegal possessions on departmental properties, aiming to boost department revenue. The minister directed the officials to submit a detailed report on departmental properties within a month, saying that no person who encroached on the government properties will be spared. The Water Resources Minister instructed officials to eliminate illegal encroachments on water courses, directing to prepare a proposal to reclaim these lands during the vacant periods in the rabi season.Emphasizing the utilization of the department s vacant lands for water recharging projects, the Water Resources Minister asked officials to prioritize comprehensive cleaning of water sources through MNREGA, ensuring maximum efficacy. The Minister said that the responsibilities of the contractors should be fixed for the work of cleaning canals, rivers and other water course, with officers overseeing and ensuring completion on-site. He highlighted the urgency of initiating projects to line unlined canals, which contributed to significant damage during recent floods and raising the low-lying bridges to prevent water blockages. The Cabinet Minister strongly emphasized the need to address requests regarding the halting of water in rivulets. (editor dailyworld.in)