MAKHU – Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann inaugurated the first phase of the Ferozepur Feeder Canal relining project on Wednesday, describing it as a landmark gift to farmers and a decisive step toward securing Punjab’s water future. The project, costing ₹180 crore, is expected to enhance irrigation capacity across Ferozepur, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Fazilka districts.
CM Mann declared the canal as the “lifeline of the Malwa region,” emphasizing that the project will bring water deeper into the fields and benefit humans, livestock, and the agricultural sector.
Key Upgrades in Ferozepur Feeder Canal
The Ferozepur Feeder Canal relining has increased capacity from 11,192 cusecs to 13,873 cusecs, a sharp 2,681 cusec rise. The canal’s depth has been enhanced from 18 feet to 21 feet, and its width has expanded from 163 feet to 180 feet.
The first phase covers 15 km of canal lining completed in just 35 days, with 126 government employees and 4,000 workers deployed. CM Mann highlighted that prior governments failed for 74 years to increase the canal’s capacity or undertake concrete lining. Today, canal water reaches 68% of Punjab’s fields, compared to only 21% when the AAP government took office.
Benefits to Farmers and Border Areas
The Punjab irrigation project will supply water to 6,45,200 hectares, including border areas like Fazilka and Jalalabad. The project also introduces a water recharge system to enhance groundwater and provide clean water to villages along the international border.
CM @BhagwantMann ਨੇ ਅੱਜ ਮੱਖੂ ਵਿਖੇ ਫ਼ਿਰੋਜ਼ਪੁਰ ਫੀਡਰ ਨਹਿਰ ਦੇ ਨਵੀਨੀਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਉਦਘਾਟਨ ਕੀਤਾ। ਇਸ ਮੌਕੇ ਉਨ੍ਹਾਂ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੇ ਵੱਡੇ ਇਕੱਠ ਨੂੰ ਸੰਬੋਧਨ ਵੀ ਕੀਤਾ। ਪਹਿਲੇ ਪੜਾਅ ‘ਚ ₹180 ਕਰੋੜ ਦੀ ਲਾਗਤ ਨਾਲ ਇਸ ਫੀਡਰ ਨੂੰ 15 ਕਿ.ਮੀ. ਤੱਕ ਪੱਕਾ ਕੀਤਾ ਗਿਆ ਹੈ ਤੇ ਇਸ ਦੀ ਡੂੰਘਾਈ ਤੇ ਚੌੜਾਈ ਵੀ ਵਧਾਈ ਗਈ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਨਾਲ਼ ਇਸ ਦੀ ਸਮਰੱਥਾ… pic.twitter.com/hUuUHo2JeX
— AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) February 25, 2026
Fourteen blocks across the Malwa region, including Gidderbaha, Makhu, Mamdot, Balluana, Jalalabad, Guru Har Sahai, Arniwala, Khuiyan Sarwar, Lambi, Malout, Fazilka, Muktsar, and Ferozepur, will directly benefit from this initiative.
CM Mann Criticizes Previous Governments
CM Mann criticized Congress and Akali Dal for signing agreements diverting Punjab’s water to other states and failing to prioritize the state’s irrigation needs. “Punjab has no surplus water to share, and no one will be allowed to take even a single drop,” he asserted, emphasizing the state’s rights over its river waters.
He also criticized the Akali Dal’s political strategies, linking past failures to mismanagement of water and agriculture resources, while reiterating the AAP government’s commitment to the welfare of Punjab’s farmers and residents.
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Punjab’s Comprehensive Development Initiatives
CM Mann highlighted other state achievements, including:
- Spending ₹6,500 crore on rejuvenating the canal system, benefiting 1,365 villages
- Ensuring 90% of households get free power, including farmers
- Launching 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics for free healthcare
- Introducing Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna for cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family
- Creating over 63,000 government jobs without bribes
- Aggressive action against drug mafias under ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign
- He urged public participation in the anti-drug movement, aiming for a completely drug-free Punjab.
Ferozepur Feeder Canal: A Landmark Step
The Ferozepur Feeder Canal relining project marks a historic improvement in Punjab’s irrigation infrastructure, ensuring water availability for the Malwa region and securing the state’s agricultural future. CM Mann reaffirmed that the AAP government is committed to the progress, welfare, and security of every section of society in Punjab.