February 18, 2020.

Topic: Groundwater resources.

Comptroller and Auditor General of India ( CAG) has prepared a first-ever audit report on Punjab groundwater.
It has found that more than half of the groundwater of Punjab is contaminated with hazardous chemicals, heavy metals and radioactive materials.

Excessive use of fertilizers is being used to increase the production, which is causing Massive problems to the state groundwater.
Fertilizers used in the state has gone up by 146. 46%. ( From 1980 to 2018).
10% of the state’s groundwater is unsafe even for irrigation purposes.
30% of the water is moderately alkaline or saline. ( But cannot be used by the humans).
Electrical conductivity and residual sodium carbonate indicate salinity and alkalinity.
Permissible limits of various pollutants were found to be breached in various regions.
In 16 districts, Fluoride limit was found to be more than the permissible limits. ( 1.5 mg in 1 litre).
In 19 districts, Nitrate was above 45 mg in one litre.
In 6 districts, Arsenic was above 0.05 mg.
And In 9 districts, Iron was above 1.0 mg.
Also, Groundwater extraction has increased in the state at rapid levels.

( From 149% in 2013 to 165% in 2018).

Paddy sowing is the main culprit here.
Punjab has the maximum percentage of wells showing depletion in groundwater and figures among the top 10.

Rajinder Singh, Waterman of India, can help Punjab in devising some policy regarding it.
Rainwater harvesting and other techniques of conservation should be used
UN water and other agencies such as central groundwater Board could be roped in.
Aquifer management should be done by the expert geologists for knowing the state of affairs of groundwater in details.
Mass awareness and rewarding programs should be set up.
State groundwater conservation policy should be set up.

(Source:- The Tribune)

Topic: Festival

Its main purpose is to commemorate the 257 years of existence of the Patiala city.
Department of Cultural Affairs and Tourism will be organising it.
Patiala’s culture, royalty and hospitality will be on display.
Various cultural activities will also take place eg dance shows, food festival, dog show etc.
Prominent personalities such as Kuchipudi dancer Raja Radha Reddy, Tabla Player Ustad Zakir Hussain etc would also be seen.
Patiala’s iconic Sheesh Mahal and other structures such as Yadavindra public School, Thapar University etc would also host shows.
A vintage car rally would also take place from Chandigarh to Patiala.