Punjab Water Resources Department Achieves Major Milestones in Water Infrastructure
Strengthening Infrastructure, Equitable Water Distribution, and Sustainable Irrigation Practices
The Punjab Water Resources Department, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has made remarkable progress in 2024, strengthening the state’s water infrastructure, ensuring equitable water distribution for farmers, and addressing long-standing irrigation challenges.
The department executed development projects worth over Rs. 2100 crores, including comprehensive canal lining, repairs, and water course rehabilitation. These efforts significantly improved water availability, particularly benefiting farmers located at the tail-end of the irrigation system.
A major milestone was the relining of the Sirhind Feeder, a project designed to mitigate chronic waterlogging issues affecting agricultural lands. With a total project cost of Rs. 671.478 crores, the department completed 89.61 kilometers of relining at a cost of Rs. 543.43 crores, effectively addressing waterlogging and enhancing irrigation systems.
The statewide water course restoration initiative also yielded impressive results. Over 15,900 previously non-functional water courses were revitalized, providing irrigation water to more than 950 villages for the first time. The lifting of a 25-year restriction on water course repairs facilitated faster restoration, with the convergence of MGNREGA and state funds enabling the rehabilitation of 909 water courses over 700 kilometers in just two years.
The Malwa Canal project, a groundbreaking initiative, is transforming irrigation in the Malwa region. The Rs. 2300 crores project spans 150 kilometers and will irrigate approximately two lakh acres across five districts: Bathinda, Faridkot, Fazilka, Ferozepur, and Sri Muktsar Sahib. Additionally, three new canals are being constructed in Pathankot, bringing surface water to the region for the first time.
In groundwater conservation, the Punjab Government revived 30 defunct groundwater recharge structures, with 129 more sites nearing completion. A total of 128 recharge sites have been built, and 60 additional sites have been identified for future development.
Embracing digital transformation, the Punjab Government launched the E-Sinchai mobile application to support farmers with services such as Warabandi and Chakbandi. The Punjab Canal and Regulation Information System was introduced for real-time monitoring of canal discharges, improving transparency in water distribution.
An online portal for NOC services related to lands near water bodies has streamlined processes, reducing processing times by 60-70%. These reforms have enhanced administrative efficiency and operational transparency.
Through these initiatives, the Punjab Government is demonstrating its commitment to modernizing water management, ensuring fair access to water, and fostering sustainable irrigation practices throughout the state.