Punjab's Irrigation System Sees Dramatic Turnaround Under AAP Government
In a significant development for agriculture in the region, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday detailed a remarkable transformation in the state's irrigation infrastructure. Over the past four years, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has achieved a surge in canal water coverage, effectively creating a new water supply equivalent to the Bhakra canal by unlocking 10,000 cusecs from seasonal rivers and revitalizing a previously collapsing canal network.
Historic Increase in Canal Irrigation Coverage
Speaking to mediapersons, CM Mann highlighted that canal irrigation coverage has skyrocketed from a mere 26.50% in 2022 to an impressive 78% today. This represents a near-tripling of the earlier figure, with the actual area receiving canal water expanding from 20.89 lakh acres to approximately 58 lakh acres out of a total potential of 75.90 lakh acres. The government has ensured maximum utilization of available canal water, marking a historic achievement in Punjab's agricultural history.
Massive Investment and Infrastructure Revival
The CM emphasized that Rs 6,700 crore has been invested from April 2022 onwards in canal lining, repair, modernization, and infrastructure strengthening—the highest ever expenditure in Punjab's history. This funding has facilitated the construction and restoration of nearly 13,000 km of canals, along with the revival of 7,000 water channels, 15,539 cleaned canals, and 18,349 watercourses. Notably, 101 abandoned canals spanning 545 km have been brought back to life, many of which had been closed for 30 to 40 years and even filled with soil, all without acquiring any land.
Key Projects and Regional Impact
Specific projects have played a crucial role in this turnaround. The 22-km Sarhali canal in Tarn Taran district, which had completely disappeared and was forgotten by locals, has been fully revived. Major systems like the Ferozepur-Sirhind feeder have been upgraded, with the Ferozepur Feeder Canal increased in capacity by 2,682 cusecs in a record 35 days and the Sirhind Canal, upgraded after 75 years, seeing a 2,844 cusec boost. Lining of canals like Sirhind and Patiala has added around 1.5 MAF of water availability.
For the first time since Independence, canal water is reaching 1,446 villages, with many areas like the Kandi region in Hoshiarpur—where the canal was non-functional for nearly 40 years—now receiving reliable supply. The government has ended rotational water supply, ensuring farmers get water daily, and even ran canals in reverse towards Harike Pattan when needed for equitable distribution.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
CM Mann noted that these efforts have reduced groundwater dependence, with extraction in one Gurdaspur village dropping from 61.48% to about 31%. The revival of rainwater channels alone has brought an additional 2.75 lakh acres under irrigation. Additionally, the completion of the Shahpur Kandi Dam project, pending for over 25 years at a cost of Rs 3,394.49 crore, will stop water flow into Pakistan and enhance Ranjit Sagar Dam efficiency.
Under the Punjab Canal and Drainage Act, 2023, 849 out of 850 drains have been notified to prevent encroachments. Rs 477 crore from the State Disaster Mitigation Fund has been used for 195 flood prevention works, and desilting of rivers like Sutlej, Ravi, and Ghaggar is underway to remove 245 million cubic feet of silt.
Future Prospects and Tourism Development
The increased canal water, rich in essential minerals, is expected to significantly boost crop productivity, bringing relief to farmers. The government has also developed 26 tourist sites, including boating facilities and rest houses, to promote tourism and generate revenue. Dedicated divisions like Fatehgarh Canal Division and Tarn Taran Canal Division have been established with permanent officers to ensure accountability and faster execution.
CM Mann concluded by asserting that previous administrations had neglected Punjab's waters, but his government has successfully revived both the water systems and the state's agricultural potential, setting a new benchmark for irrigation management in India.
