Chandigarh, April 18 -- The Punjab cabinet on Friday cleared a citizen-focused policy allowing landowners to undertake desilting of rivers, 'choes' (seasonal streams) and drains at their own cost, with the right to use the excavated material free of charge.

An official statement issued here following the cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Bhagwant Mann said the move is aimed at strengthening flood preparedness ahead of the monsoon, while also improving flow across critical river stretches.

"The policy is intended to ensure faster desilting of critical stretches while improving water flow in major rivers, including the Sutlej, Beas and Siswan at their own cost, and utilise the excavated material free of cost for their own use," th...