Chandigarh- Punjab Water Assets Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal, on Tuesday, knowledgeable that the yr 2025 marked a decisive part for irrigation growth and water administration within the state with sustained public funding and field-driven execution. He stated that CM Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Authorities adopted a farmer-centric method specializing in canal effectivity, tail-end supply and groundwater recharge to satisfy each current and future wants. With report monetary outlays and revival of long-neglected infrastructure, the Water Assets Division ensured equitable water availability throughout areas, notably in drought-prone and waterlogged belts.
Divulging additional, the Cupboard Minister stated, growth works exceeding Rs.5640 crore have been undertaken from FY 2022-23 to 2025-26. Tasks value over Rs.878 crore have been accomplished in FY 2022-23, adopted by Rs.1251 crore in FY 2023-24, Rs.1786 crore in FY 2024-25 and Rs.1725 crore earmarked for FY 2025-26. These works included lining and restore of canals and watercourses, enabling dependable canal water provide to tail-end farmers. Round 2600 km of canal lining has been accomplished over the past three years, together with greater than 960 km in FY 2024-25 alone. The present yr positioned particular concentrate on brick-lined and pipeline watercourses to strengthen last-mile irrigation.
To handle persistent waterlogging and seepage, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal stated, the Division undertook relining of the Sirhind Feeder at a price of round Rs.774.80 crore. Practically 100 km of relining work has been accomplished underneath this venture. “For the primary time after Independence, the carrying capability of main canals together with Sirhind Canal and Patiala Feeder has been enhanced, making certain higher discharge management and improved irrigation attain throughout command areas”, categorically stated the Cupboard Minister.
Goyal stated a statewide watercourse restoration drive introduced again to life 18349 watercourses spanning over 6,900 km that had remained broken or deserted for 20 to 30 years. In consequence, greater than 1300 places acquired canal water for irrigation for the primary time, together with over 400 places throughout FY 2024-25. He stated a restrictive authorities coverage that blocked restore of watercourses previous to 25 years was revoked. Following this resolution, restore works have been taken up on precedence by means of MGNREGA and convergence with state funds. During the last two years, greater than 1277 watercourses measuring above 900 km have been repaired or restored.
The Water Assets Minister stated works value round Rs.870 crore masking almost 3445 km of pipelines and brick-lined watercourses are underway in FY 2025-26 to make sure last-mile connectivity.
He stated that three new canals are being constructed in Pathankot district to supply floor water to the realm for the primary time. On groundwater recharge, round 900 examine dams have been constructed on choes and rivulets, 189 canal recharge websites accomplished and 60 new recharge schemes are underneath execution. Apart from this, 127 new ponds are being dug and linked with canals, whereas 66 current ponds are being linked to canal methods. Greater than 3200 soak pits have additionally been taken up for building to strengthen aquifer replenishment.
