Barinder Kumar Goyal: Punjab farmers will be encouraged to use surface water for irrigation organizing village-level camps. This was announced by Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal during a departmental review meeting.
During the meeting, Water Resources Minister Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal stated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s vision is to supply water to every farm and efforts are being accelerated to achieve this goal. Presiding over the meeting, Mr. Goyal reviewed the department’s progress with Principal Secretary of Water Resources, Mr. Krishna Kumar.
Principal Secretary Mr. Krishna Kumar informed the Water Resources Minister that a total of 401 projects are being undertaken by the canal administration of the department during the financial year 2024-25. He also briefed the minister in detail about the progress of Chakbandis (water distribution systems), flood prevention and ongoing works related to bamboo plantation in the state.
The minister directed the officials to complete the ongoing works in a timely manner. He also emphasized the need to utilize the MGNREGA scheme for activities such as maintenance of canals, tree planting and the lining and cleaning of water bodies.
Mr. Goyal reviewed the department’s work progress and instructed the officials to ensure that the projects meet quality standards and complete in stipulated time frame.
During the meeting, senior officials, including the Principal Secretary of the Water Resources Department Mr. Krishan Kumar, Chief Engineer of Canals Sher Singh, Chief Engineer of Drains Harinder Singh Bedi, Chief Engineer of Design Pawan Kapoor, Chief Engineer of Vigilance Hardeep Mahindiratta and Superintendent of Dams and Executive Engineer were present.