Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Inaugurates Major Canal Revamp in Ferozepur
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann inaugurated the first phase of the reconstruction and relining of the Ferozepur Feeder canal on Wednesday, hailing it as a landmark gift to farmers and a decisive step towards securing the state's water future. The event marked a significant milestone in the region's agricultural development.
Transforming Irrigation in the Malwa Region
Declaring the canal as the lifeline of the Malwa region, CM Mann emphasized that the project would prove to be a boon for Ferozepur, Faridkot, Muktsar, and Fazilka districts. The initiative aims to enhance irrigation capacity and ensure that canal water reaches deeper into the fields of Punjab, addressing long-standing water distribution challenges.
Mann highlighted that when his government assumed office, canal water reached only 21% of Punjab's fields, whereas today it reaches 68%, a dramatic improvement in irrigation coverage across the state. He credited the current Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for delivering structural reform on the ground, contrasting it with previous regimes that he said failed for 74 years to increase the canal's capacity or undertake concrete lining.
Political Criticisms and Water Security Pledge
Reiterating that Punjab has no surplus water to share, Mann asserted that the interests of the state are supreme, and not even a single drop of water would be given to any other state. He accused Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal governments of betraying Punjab by signing agreements to divert water to other states.
Taking a swipe at the Akalis, Mann remarked that a party that could not find 11 members to form a committee was dreaming of winning 117 seats in Punjab, underscoring his confidence in the AAP's governance and electoral prospects.
Technical Details and Regional Impact
Addressing the gathering, Mann described the day as historic and joyous for the people of Punjab, especially the Malwa region. He explained that with the relining, the canal will fulfill water needs for humans, livestock, and the agricultural sector, serving as a comprehensive resource.
The depth of the canal has increased from 18 feet to 21 feet, and the width has expanded from 163 feet to 180 feet, significantly boosting its capacity. Originating from Harike Headworks, the canal provides irrigation facilities to areas in four districts: Ferozepur, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib, and Fazilka.
A total of 14 blocks will directly benefit from the relining, including:
- Gidderbaha
- Makhu
- Mamdot
- Balluana
- Jalalabad
- Guru Har Sahai
- Arniwala
- Khuiyan Sarwar
- Lambi
- Malout
- Fazilka
- Muktsar
- Ferozepur
This extensive coverage underscores the project's role in revitalizing agriculture and supporting local communities across the region.
