EXTRAORDINARY
Published by Authority
CHANDIGARH, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2024 (AGRAHAYANA 5, 1946 SAKA)
GOVERNMENT OF PUNJAB
PUNJAB WATER REGULATION & DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
DRAFT DIRECTIONS
"PUNJAB DIRECTIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF PONDS"
NOTIFICATION
The 26th November, 2024
No. 177255/PWRDA-PWRD0GENL/57/2023-O/o SECY/2327.–
1. INTRODUCTION
Whereas, the Hon'ble National Green Tribunal passed the order dated 10.05.2019 (available on www.pwrda.punjab.gov.in) directing all States and UTs to review the existing framework of restoration all the water bodies by preparing an appropriate action plan.
And whereas, in compliance thereof, the Directorate of Environment and Climate Change, Department of Science, Technology and Environment, Government of Punjab issued the "Action Plan for Rejuvenation of Ponds" dated 31.03.2020 (hereinafter "Action Plan, 2020") (available on www.pwrda.punjab.gov.in).
And whereas, the Hon'ble Punjab & Haryana High Court passed an order dated 13.08.2024 in CWP No. 25373 of 2022 (available on www.pwrda.punjab.gov.in).
And whereas, the primary objective of these Directions is to ensure the sustainable management of ponds, align with the Action Plan, 2020 and foster a participatory approach involving stakeholders in pond rejuvenation efforts.
Now, therefore, in the exercise of powers conferred under Section 15 (2) of the Punjab Water Resources (Management and Regulation) Act, 2020 (hereinafter "the Act") and all other powers enabling it in this behalf, the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority (hereinafter "Authority") proposes to issue the following directions for the systematic monitoring, upkeep, maintenance, operation and management of the ponds across Punjab, namely the 'Punjab Directions for Sustainable Management of Ponds 2024'.
2. SHORT TITLE, COMMENCEMENT AND EXTENT 21158 PUNJAB GOVT. GAZ. (EXTRA), NOVEMBER 26, 2024 (AGHN 5, 1946 SAKA) C. These shall extend to the whole of the State of Punjab. 3. DIRECTIONS
A. The Government of Punjab shall implement all aspects of the Action Plan, 2020 in a time bound manner as provided in the Action Plan,2020. Each Department, Board and Body shall be responsible for the implementation of the Action Plan, 2020 as laid down in Chapter 2 of the Action Plan,2020; and
B. The implementation shall be monitored regularly as per paragraph 5.2 of the Action Plan, 2020.
The progress report of implementation of the Action Plan, 2020 as approved by the State Apex Committee shall be submitted to the Authority quarterly by the Government. The Authority invites comments/objections from the public on the draft Directions in terms of Section 15 (4) of the Act.
For details log on to www.pwrda.punjab.gov.in
SECRETARY
Punjab Water Regulation & Development Authority
3252/11-2024/Pb. Govt. Press, S.A.S. Nagar