Chandigarh: The comprehensive plan for rainwater harvesting and water conservation on Patiala-ki-Rao, undertaken by the UT Engineering and Forest Department, was today studied by UT Administrator Gen (retd) S F Rodrigues. Rodrigues said the plan had brought a new look to the area with the creation of two water bodies and development of green belt zones.
Accompanied by wife Jean Rodrigues, Finance Secretary S K Sandhu, Chief Engineer V K Bhardwaj and Deputy Conservator of Forests Ishwar Singh, the Administrator went round the area and took stock of the progress of the work.
Work relating to cemented pathways, stone pitching, sitting benches, tree plantation and landscaping is complete and the water body has emerged as a natural spot for attracting birds, wildlife and promotion of aquatic fauna, besides being a means for stabilising ground water table through recharging. The Administrator asked the officers to install solar lighting arrangement and add boats at the spot for meeting functional requirements.
The Administrator also took stock of the work in progress on the other lake and asked the Chief Engineer to complete the work on bandhs, check dams and pitched storm walls on this project to ensure utilisation of rainwater of the ensuing monsoon session.
He also directed for development and beautification of the whole area by taking into account the local conditions.