Punjab Water Resources Department Achieves Major Milestones in Water Infrastructure
The Punjab Water Resources Department has successfully executed several large-scale projects that are transforming the state’s water infrastructure and benefiting farmers across the region. With over Rs. 2,100 crores invested up until 2024, the department’s work has focused on canal lining, water course rehabilitation, and the revitalisation of groundwater recharge systems, tackling long-standing water issues in the state.
One of the most critical concerns for Punjab’s farmers had been waterlogging, which had significantly affected agricultural productivity. Waterlogging occurs when canals and watercourses overflow, leading to water stagnation on fields, damaging crops, and making soil less fertile. For years, farmers in certain areas struggled with irregular and inadequate water distribution, impacting their livelihoods. However, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government took swift action to address these challenges.
One of the key interventions has been the relining of the Sirhind Feeder Canal, a project that cost Rs. 671.478 crores. The water resources department has completed 89.61 kilometres of relining, valued at Rs. 543.43 crores, which has successfully mitigated waterlogging in critical agricultural areas. This has made a significant difference to farmers who had been battling water-related issues for decades, offering them more reliable irrigation and healthier soil. Further, the department has revitalised an impressive 15,947 water courses across Punjab, many of which had been non-functional for two to three decades. This restoration has brought irrigation water to more than 950 villages for the first time in their history. For many of these communities, access to water had always been a challenge, and the restoration of these water courses has been a game changer. This initiative not only benefits farmers but also improves the overall quality of life in rural areas.
In addition to repairing and lining existing canals, Punjab has embarked on ambitious projects to expand its irrigation infrastructure. The Malwa Canal project, with an investment of Rs. 2,300 crores, is set to revolutionise irrigation in the Malwa region. This 150-kilometre canal will irrigate around 200,000 acres of land across five districts: Bathinda, Faridkot, Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Sri Muktsar Sahib. This project promises to significantly enhance agricultural productivity and make the region more resilient to climate challenges, offering farmers a stable and sustainable source of water. Farmers and local communities have expressed immense relief and gratitude for these infrastructure upgrades. In the past, delays in water course repairs and inadequate water supply had resulted in crop failures and hardships for many families. With the removal of the 25-year restriction on water course repairs, the Water Resources Department is now able to respond more swiftly to issues, ensuring that farmers receive timely assistance. The state’s integration of digital tools such as the Punjab Canal and Regulation Information System and the E-Sinchai mobile app is also a big step forward, ensuring real-time monitoring and transparency in water distribution.
In addition to irrigation, these projects also focus on groundwater conservation. The revitalisation of 30 defunct groundwater recharge structures and the development of 129 more sites are helping restore vital water resources, ensuring a sustainable future for both agriculture and local communities. Overall, the Punjab Water Resources Department’s investments in infrastructure are helping address long-standing issues faced by farmers and rural communities. By enhancing irrigation and groundwater recharge, the state is paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for its agricultural sector. As these projects continue to roll out, Punjab is set to become a model for water management in India.
