The Punjab government has expanded its canal network to ensure water reaches every farmer, including those at the tail end of the distribution system. Irrigation Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal inaugurated projects under the Kandi Canal System on Tuesday, targeting 1.35 lakh acres across 450 villages in Hoshiarpur and Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar districts.
New projects under Punjab irrigation expansion
The minister launched the Shah Nehar Feeder Project, Shah Nehar Canal System, and works on the Ghogra distributary. These initiatives aim to provide 100% canal water supply to tail-end farms, reducing reliance on groundwater for irrigation.
Canal water utilisation in Punjab has risen from 22% to 86% under the Bhagwant Mann government, according to state officials. The expansion is part of a broader effort to modernise irrigation infrastructure, improve water management, and support the agricultural sector.
Investment and infrastructure upgrades
The state has invested Rs 7,200 crore over four years to upgrade canals, construct watercourses, and lay pipeline networks. Key improvements include:
- Canal lining and upgrades to gates, regulators, and escapes
- Restoration of 19,300 watercourses covering 7,400 km
- Construction of 9,200 km of new watercourses at Rs 2,600 crore
These efforts have enabled canal water to reach areas after decades, with 1,582 locations receiving supply for the first time. The government states canal water utilisation has now reached 78% through distribution system improvements.
