Water Crisis in Malout: Authorities Halt Canal Supply Amid Contamination Concerns

• Apr 23, 2025

Amid growing concerns over discolored and brackish water flowing through the Sirhind Feeder canal, authorities have suspended its use for public water supply in Malout town. The move comes after residents reported foul-smelling, murky water being delivered to their homes for several days.

In response, the Water Supply and Sewerage Board has shifted to using underground water sources. However, this switch has resulted in a reduced supply schedule, with water now being provided to residents on alternate days.

An engineer from the Board acknowledged that despite treatment, the canal water retained an unpleasant odor and appearance. “We’ve now started using underground water, which is being treated before supply. This will continue until the canal water quality improves,” he said.

While Malout faces restricted supply, nearby towns like Gidderbaha and Mandi Bariwala have remained unaffected, thanks to access to alternative water sources. In Muktsar town, officials from the Water Supply and Sanitation Department confirmed they had proactively avoided storing the canal’s contaminated water. “We are meeting demand by drawing underground water from tubewells,” said Shaminder Singh, Executive Engineer of the department.

Despite these measures, some residents continue to experience severe issues. Tejinder Singh Jimmy Brar, municipal councillor of Ward 8 in Muktsar, raised concerns over the condition of the water in his area. “Residents on Khalsa School Road are receiving completely black water, resembling sewage,” he said, warning that the situation could spark a serious outbreak of waterborne diseases.

Officials have assured the public that they are working diligently to resolve the crisis.

Adding to the alarm, local farmers have staged protests, voicing anger and frustration over the deteriorating quality of canal water, which is a lifeline for both irrigation and household use.