Punjab Assembly Approves Resolution to Combat Water Table Decline
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On March 25, the Punjab Assembly passed a resolution to combat the declining water table and protect the environment. Water Resources Minister Goyal highlighted the government's significant investment in conservation efforts and the restoration of infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- Punjab Assembly unanimously passed a resolution for water conservation.
- Minister Goyal criticized the Union government's approach.
- Over Rs 4,557 crore invested in canal infrastructure since 2022.
- Restoration of 17,072 water courses has improved water accessibility.
- New canals and recharge sites are being developed.
Chandigarh, March 25 (NationPress) The Punjab Assembly on Tuesday passed a resolution with full consensus aimed at addressing the declining water table and safeguarding the environment.
Punjab Water Resources Minister Brinder Kumar Goyal, during the discussion on a resolution introduced by member Gurdev Singh Dev Maan, emphasized the government's initiatives under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to conserve groundwater while expressing dissatisfaction over what he termed the Union government's biased stance.
In his speech, he pointed out that during the Congress government's term from 2019 to 2022, approximately Rs 2,046 crore were allocated to canal infrastructure.
“In comparison, our administration has committed over Rs 4,557 crore from 2022 to 2025 to enhance canal water conservation, restore infrastructure, and ensure water accessibility for agriculture, which is over 2.25 times greater than the previous investment,” he stated.
The Minister indicated that Chief Minister Mann made it a priority upon taking office to guarantee that water reaches agricultural areas, a goal that has been successfully met.
Previously, only 68 percent of dam water was utilized; now, thanks to government efforts, this has risen to 84 percent. The minister added that 17,072 water courses spanning 6,300 km have been rejuvenated, many of which had been in disrepair for 30-40 years.
The government has also revitalized 79 canals that extend 545 km, facilitating irrigation for 41,135 acres.
In the Fazilka district, which borders Pakistan, 12 canals spanning 213 km under the Luther Canal System have been restored after being non-functional for 15 years. New canals are currently under construction in Malerkotla, Pathankot, Malwa, Amritsar, and other areas.
In Tarn Taran district, 23 canals that have been inactive for 30-40 years have been restored. To expand water access to new areas in Malerkotla district, the government has completed upgrades on the Rohira, Kanganwal, and Dehlon canals.
New canal construction initiatives have started in Malerkotla, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Fazilka, and Muktsar Sahib districts, he noted.
Goyal stated that 129 canal water recharge sites have been completed, with 60 more recharge projects in progress. Additionally, 127 new ponds are being excavated and linked to canals for groundwater replenishment, while 66 existing ponds are being connected to canals for the same purpose.
The minister noted that compared to the last five years, the government can now utilize 12 percent more water during the kharif season. In Ropar and Hoshiarpur districts, 28 new lift schemes have been identified to provide water to Punjab's underprivileged border areas, with 15 schemes already in operation.
“Punjab needs Rs 17,000 crore for water-course projects. If all water courses are built and underground pipes installed, the state could conserve 20 percent of its water,” he remarked, adding that while many canals have been restored, they still lack the capacity for optimal water flow.
