Clean Ponds Before Monsoon, Amit Raj Directs Officials

 

Amit Raj, Director and Central Nodal Officer of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has instructed officials to clean and repair ponds and lakes before the onset of the monsoon season.

Presiding over a review meeting at the Vikas Bhawan Auditorium on Wednesday, Raj said that under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan’s “Catch the Rain” campaign, all water bodies should be prepared in advance to prevent waterlogging and contamination.

Over the past three days, Raj inspected 18 water conservation sites across three districts, where he observed clogged drains, accumulated garbage, and damaged pond embankments.

He emphasized that while drainage construction had been carried out properly in most areas, cleaning trash near ponds was essential to ensure smooth water flow.

 

To prevent dirty water from entering village ponds, he ordered officials to repair broken drains immediately. Several ponds were found with dried-out drainage systems, for which he instructed prompt remedial action.

Raj also directed that rooftop rainwater harvesting systems be regularly maintained and any defunct systems be repaired without delay.

Additionally, he instructed departments to execute the proposed 2025 plantation program effectively.

 

The meeting was attended by District Magistrate Deepak Meena, DDO Prajya Srivastava, Training IAS Anaya Jain, Water Resources Department officers, and other senior officials.