Chandigarh, May 20 -- Haryana chief minister (CM) Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday directed that gram panchayats should be made responsible for regular maintenance of village ponds and said that steps must be taken to ensure contaminated water does not flow into the ponds. While chairing a meeting of the Haryana Pond and Waste Water Management Authority, Saini directed to give toppriority to the upkeep of ponds across villages in the state and stressed on the beautification of ponds. The high-powered purchase committee (HPPC) headed by CM Saini has approved contracts pertaining to procurements by different departments to the tune of Rs.252 crore, an official spokesperson said on Tuesday. The panel comprising education minister Mahipal Dhanda and women and child development minister Shruti Choudhry held negotiations with different companies, ensuring a reduction in the rates of several items.htc...