Punjab to Prioritize Canal Water for Tail-End Areas, Ensure Drain Cleaning Before Monsoon
Chandigarh, March 21: Punjab’s Water Resources Minister, Barinder Kumar Goyal, announced significant measures aimed at rationalizing canal water distribution across the state, focusing on areas facing excessive groundwater extraction. The move comes as part of the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government’s initiative to ensure more equitable water allocation, particularly to tail-end regions, and to reduce dependency on groundwater in the future.
Rationalizing Canal Water Allocation
In a recent address to the legislative assembly, Minister Goyal detailed the ongoing efforts to streamline water distribution, especially in districts that have been heavily reliant on groundwater due to low canal water availability. He revealed that the Punjab government had increased canal water allocations for several districts by as much as 50 percent, from two cusecs to three cusecs per thousand acres. This change is designed to provide water more efficiently to areas suffering from severe groundwater depletion.
“The increased canal water allocations are being implemented in a manner that prioritizes districts like Sangrur, Barnala, Patiala, and Mansa, where groundwater extraction is excessively high. These measures are part of our broader strategy to conserve groundwater and provide a sustainable water supply to farmers,” said Minister Goyal.
Goyal also mentioned that several districts, such as Dharamkot, have experienced improved canal water access due to dedicated infrastructure development. For instance, in Dharamkot constituency alone, the government has completed work on six canals at a cost of Rs. 58.30 crore, benefiting over 70,000 acres of farmland.
Impact of Water-Courses and Canal Rehabilitation
In response to a question from MLA S. Davinderjeet Singh Laddi Dhose, Goyal highlighted the ongoing construction of new water-courses to ensure effective distribution of canal water across the state. In Dharamkot, for example, 14 kilometers of new water-courses have been built at a cost of Rs. 2.80 crore, which will significantly boost irrigation access for local farmers. Additionally, work on six critical canal systems, including the Sidhwan Branch and the Kishanpura minor, has brought an additional 11,772 hectares under canal irrigation.
“The focus on improving water-courses is a top priority for the government, especially in areas where groundwater extraction is a growing concern. We are ensuring that water reaches the tail-end areas through better canal infrastructure,” Goyal explained.
Punjab’s long-term water strategy also includes plans to allocate Rs. 17,000 crore for water-courses across the state. These funds will help develop and upgrade essential water distribution systems, including those in areas with acute water scarcity.
Drain Cleaning and Infrastructure Upgrades
In another significant update, Minister Goyal addressed concerns raised by MLA S. Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon regarding drain cleaning. The Mann government has already launched a comprehensive drain-cleaning campaign and committed to ensuring the task is completed before the 2025 monsoon season. Goyal confirmed that 17 of the 18 drains in Giddarbaha, located in the Sri Muktsar Sahib district, have been cleaned as part of this effort. The work was carried out using a combination of departmental machinery and outsourced agencies, at a total cost of Rs. 49.55 lakh.
Notably, the Punjab government has procured 13 heavy-duty machines for drain cleaning, saving taxpayers substantial funds. Goyal noted that outsourcing the work to private contractors would have cost the government four times as much.
“With our newly purchased machinery, we are not only ensuring that drain cleaning is done effectively but also at a fraction of the cost. Previous governments never made such investments in machinery, which is why we are proud to lead this initiative,” Goyal remarked.
The Minister further assured that all drains would be cleaned and maintained before the next monsoon to prevent waterlogging and ensure the efficient flow of water during heavy rains.
Future Water Conservation Efforts
The government’s efforts to prioritize canal water allocation, coupled with the ongoing drain cleaning projects, reflect Punjab’s commitment to sustainable water management. By reducing reliance on groundwater and improving water distribution infrastructure, the Mann government aims to address water scarcity issues across the state and protect the livelihoods of Punjab’s farmers.
“As we move forward, ensuring that tail-end areas receive adequate water and that our drainage systems are up to the task will be pivotal in securing water resources for future generations,” concluded Goyal.
Conclusion
The rationalization of canal water distribution and the proactive cleaning of drains across Punjab are vital steps in ensuring that the state’s agricultural sectors remain resilient in the face of growing water scarcity. With these measures, the Mann government aims to strike a balance between sustainable water usage and agricultural productivity, ensuring that every corner of the state benefits from the resources it has.