The Haryana government has allocated ₹95 crore to rejuvenate two critical nullahs in Panchkula, marking a significant step toward urban sustainability. These seasonal water channels, long plagued by illegal waste dumping and sewage contamination, will undergo comprehensive restoration under the Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority (PMDA).

The project includes constructing 11-foot retaining walls to prevent soil erosion and installing mesh barriers to curb garbage disposal. IIT-Roorkee consultants will oversee the integration of eco-friendly solutions, such as phytoremediation (using plants to detoxify soil) and decentralized sewage treatment units. Footbridges and cycling tracks will enhance connectivity, while green belts featuring native species like neem and peepal aim to restore biodiversity.

Residents of sectors 1, 2, 4, and 21—areas worst affected by stagnant water and mosquito-borne diseases—have welcomed the initiative. Local environmental groups, however, urge the PMC to address the root cause of pollution: unauthorized industrial discharge. PMDA officials confirm plans to impose stricter penalties on violators and deploy sensor-based water quality monitors for real-time oversight.

This revival aligns with the broader Smart Cities Mission, positioning Panchkula as a model for blending ecological stewardship with urban development. If successful, the blueprint could be replicated in other Haryana cities grappling with neglected water bodies.