BARNALA: In a serious initiative to preserve Punjab’s quickly depleting groundwater and strengthen irrigation infrastructure, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday launched the ₹34.51 crore Kalyan Watercourse Concrete Lining Challenge. The bold challenge will modernise 60.66 kilometres of the watercourse, enhance its canal water carrying capability by 10%, and guarantee improved irrigation for 50,819 acres throughout 42 villages in Barnala and Malerkotla. Scheduled for completion by October 2026, the challenge is predicted to considerably scale back farmers’ dependence on groundwater, offering main reduction to the darkish zone areas of the state.
Addressing a gathering in Barnala, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Underneath this challenge, 60.66 kilometres of the Kalyan Watercourse will probably be lined with concrete at a complete value of ₹34.51 crore. The complete challenge will probably be accomplished by October 2026.”
Highlighting the advantages of the challenge, the Chief Minister mentioned, “Concrete lining of the watercourse will enhance the canal water carrying capability by 10%. The current carrying capability of 150.40 cusecs will enhance to 170.61 cusecs after completion of the challenge.”
Underscoring its influence on agriculture, he mentioned, “The canal water will profit 42 villages overlaying 50,819 acres in Barnala and Malerkotla districts. This challenge will show to be a boon for the darkish zone space, because the Mahal Kalan block has been labeled as a darkish zone on account of extreme extraction of groundwater.”
Emphasising the long-term significance of the challenge, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann mentioned, “Concrete lining of the Kalyan Watercourse will considerably enhance the supply of canal water and scale back farmers’ dependence on groundwater.”
Recalling the historical past of the watercourse, the Chief Minister mentioned, “The Kalyan Watercourse, originating from Malerkotla, was brick-lined in the course of the Nineteen Eighties. Nonetheless, because of the negligence of earlier governments, it deteriorated through the years and will not operate at its full capability.”
CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “In consequence, farmers weren’t receiving sufficient canal water for irrigation. The brand new challenge will guarantee higher irrigation services, enhance agricultural productiveness and improve crop yields.”
