In view of the deteriorating water situation in the province, the Environment Protection Department (EPD) announced a scheme to monitor various types of surface water sources in Punjab including rivers, lakes, canals and wetlands here on Monday. The scheme will include a profiling of the water bodies, an estimation of various loads of pollution (organic and inorganic) being discharged in surface water bodies, a public information and awareness drive for the conservation of water and reduction of pollution, as well as greater collaboration between the various government bodies involved. EPD Director General Dr Shagufta Shahjan said: "Direct and indirect intervention in natural habitat has caused its destruction to an alarming stage. The major contributing factors include indiscriminate discharges of untreated industrial and municipal wastewater, agriculture and urban run off and dumping of solid waste (in water bodies).' She said monitoring of water sources played a vital role both in establishing the standards to maintain the quality of surface water bodies for their intended uses, and also provided data to planners and engineers for upstream pollution control. The EPD has organised a seminar here on Tuesday (today), entitled "Monitoring of Surface Water Bodies in Punjab,' in order to introduce the scheme's objectives to various stakeholders.