The second public hearing conducted by the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) on the proposed Malwa Canal project witnessed mixed reactions from farmers at the Canal Colony in Muktsar town on Monday. While one section of farmers opposed the project, alleging that the canal would supply polluted water to their fields, another faction strongly supported it, citing an urgent need for irrigation water in the region.
Opposition Demands Water Quality Assurances
Representatives of the opposing group submitted resolutions passed by several villages expressing their opposition and raising concerns over the quality of water proposed to be diverted through the canal. They demanded assurances regarding water quality and environmental safeguards before the project proceeds further.
Supporters Urge Expedited Action
On the other hand, farmers supporting the project argued that the region has been facing acute water scarcity and that the Malwa Canal would provide much-needed relief to farmers who are not getting adequate water for their fields. Beant Singh Thandewala, a farmer who supported the project, said, “We are not getting adequate water for our fields. If a group is opposing the project, we will also form our own group to support it. We want water and are not bothered about its quality.”
Farmer Leader Questions Water Quality
Farmer leader Nirmal Singh Jasseana questioned the authorities about the quality of the water proposed to be released into the canal. “Only six or seven farmers supported the proposed canal. All the others present there opposed it,” he said. The hearing saw farmers and residents from different villages present their views before PPCB officials.
Environmental Clearance Process
The public hearing was part of the environmental clearance process for the proposed canal project. PPCB officials and senior officers of the district administration recorded the objections and suggestions raised during the proceedings, which will be considered as part of the project’s assessment process. Earlier, on Friday, the PPCB had faced strong resentment and heated arguments from local farmers at the Canal Colony in Faridkot.
Project Details and Government Claims
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has claimed that this would be the first canal to be built in the state after the country’s independence. The canal is expected to be 149 km long, 50 ft wide, and 12.5 ft deep, with a capacity of 2,000 cusecs of water, and would irrigate 2 lakh acres. It aims to irrigate three southwestern districts of the state — Ferozepur, Faridkot and Muktsar. This canal will originate from Harike headworks.
