Punjab water revival mission shows results as groundwater levels rise 3–5 metres in several blocks, with canal revival and recharge projects gaining momentum.
Punjab’s efforts to tackle its worsening groundwater crisis are beginning to show visible results, with groundwater levels rising by around 3 to 5 metres in several blocks, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said. The improvement comes as the state government expands canal restoration, groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting initiatives.
The Punjab water revival mission is being implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann with a focus on reducing excessive dependence on underground water and strengthening the state’s irrigation network.
Groundwater Recharge Gains Momentum
Speaking at a press conference, Harpal Singh Cheema said years of excessive groundwater extraction had placed considerable pressure on Punjab’s water resources. Farmers in several areas were forced to install deeper borewells to access water, which also increased electricity consumption for irrigation.
According to Cheema, the government has been working on a comprehensive plan to revive canals and traditional water channels while creating more opportunities for groundwater recharge.
As part of the Punjab water revival mission, nearly 16,000 kilometres of water channels have reportedly been constructed or restored. The government has also released around 39,049 cusecs of water into canals to improve irrigation access, including for farmers located in tail-end areas.
Canal Water Helping Agriculture
Cheema said the increased availability of canal water is helping reduce pressure on groundwater reserves. He also highlighted the mineral content of canal water and its potential benefits for agricultural productivity.
According to the minister, wheat and paddy production has increased by around 1 to 2 quintals per acre in areas benefiting from improved irrigation. This, he said, can contribute to better farm incomes while reducing dependence on groundwater extraction.
Lower groundwater usage is also expected to reduce electricity consumption because farmers would not need to operate deep tubewells as frequently.
510 Recharge Projects Implemented
Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge form another major component of the Punjab water revival mission. Cheema said local authorities in several cities have made rainwater recharge provisions mandatory for approving site plans for new buildings.
The government has also undertaken numerous projects designed to ensure that rainwater is channelled into the ground instead of being allowed to run off and go to waste.
According to the minister, 510 groundwater recharge schemes have been implemented so far. These include 192 pond-based projects and 246 canal-based recharge initiatives.
Focus on Sustainable Water Management
The state government is seeking to combine canal restoration, rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge as part of a long-term strategy for water conservation.
Cheema said the Punjab water revival mission is aimed not only at addressing the immediate needs of farmers but also at protecting the state’s water resources for future generations.
The government believes that improving the availability of surface water and increasing groundwater recharge can help Punjab gradually reduce its dependence on rapidly depleting underground reserves.
Water Conservation as a Long-Term Priority
Punjab has faced growing concerns over groundwater depletion for years, particularly because of intensive agricultural practices and heavy reliance on tubewell irrigation.
Cheema said the Punjab water revival mission reflects the government’s broader commitment to sustainable water management. He stressed that conserving water is important for farmers, the environment and the state’s future.
He also linked the government’s approach to the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, describing water as a vital part of life rather than merely a resource for agricultural use.
With canal infrastructure being restored and recharge projects expanding, the government expects the ongoing Punjab water revival mission to play a key role in improving water availability and building a more sustainable irrigation system across the state.
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