Mohali, March 2: During a high-level policy session in Mohali, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh affirmed the Central Government’s willingness to reconsider the setting up of a nuclear power plant in Patiala and that the government is ensuring water stops flowing to Pakistan and meets the needs of Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
The Minister stated that the Prime Minister’s Office is deeply concerned with resolving Punjab’s core challenges, including the transition toward sustainable energy and the modernization of its industrial base.
“I am thankful for this opportunity and the fact that the people of Punjab have expressed confidence in the Modi government’s ability to resolve the state’s challenges,” Singh stated.
“Our efforts are focused on the welfare of the public; we are currently ensuring that water from Jammu and Kashmir is no longer directed toward Pakistan, but is instead channeled to Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan,” he added.
Responding to concerns raised by MP Satnam Singh Sandhu regarding the state’s reliance on coal, Dr. Singh maintained that the feasibility of the Patiala project would be thoroughly evaluated.
“We are committed to seeing Punjab’s issues settled and are sincerely appreciative of the Union Government for addressing the state’s grievances, particularly the matter of water security,” Sandhu maintained.
“If it is practically possible, the Central Government will give its full contribution to ensure the establishment of a nuclear power plant in Patiala,” the Minister asserted. He noted that the discussion session aimed to gather strategic suggestions on critical topics such as crop diversification, AI, robotics, and drug de-addiction efforts.
On the matter of water resources, Dr. Singh declared that the administration has taken decisive steps to secure Punjab’s agricultural future. He stated that the Shahpur Kandi Dam would ensure that Pakistan does not receive water from the Ravi River that is intended for Indian farmers. The Minister also affirmed that the Ujh Multipurpose Project would be a significant boon for the region’s irrigation needs.
MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, who facilitated the dialogue, asserted that Punjab needs the nuclear plant to meet its growing demand for clean electricity. He noted that the Central Government’s focus on the state has remained consistent over the past decade. The session concluded with a call from policy experts and retired judges to establish a permanent platform for regular interaction between state stakeholders and central agencies to ensure the proper utilization of central development schemes.
