Minister Barinder : The Mann Government has acquired 13 heavy machines and is cleaning drains at just one-fourth of the usual cost.
Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal stated on Friday that the Mann-led government is optimizing canal water distribution to ensure equitable access, particularly for tail-end areas and districts with limited water supply.
Minister Barinder highlighted that the government has increased water allowance by 50%, from two cusecs to three cusecs, in several districts where groundwater depletion is a concern. Responding to Dharamkot MLA Davinderjeet Singh Laddi Dhose’s query regarding canal water supply and water-course construction, he noted that while some districts receive 6-8 cusecs, others like Sangrur, Barnala, Patiala, and Mansa get only two cusecs. To address this imbalance, priority is given to regions with higher groundwater extraction, with funds being allocated accordingly.
Minister Barinder further informed that Dharamkot constituency has eight canals, with work on six already completed at a cost of ₹58.30 crore, benefiting 70,000 acres of land. Additionally, 14 km of new water-courses have been built at ₹2.80 crore. He emphasized that an estimated ₹17,000 crore is required for water-course development across Punjab, and Dharamkot will receive funds proportionately.
Over the last two years, key projects, including the concrete lining of multiple canals and minors, have enhanced irrigation for thousands of hectares, benefiting several villages. This initiative aims to reduce farmers’ dependence on groundwater by improving canal water supply.
Drain Cleaning Before Next Monsoon
Addressing a question from Giddarbaha MLA Hardeep Singh Dimpy Dhillon on drain cleaning, the Minister assured that the government is actively working on it and will maintain quality. He detailed that 18 drains pass through Giddarbaha, with 17 already cleaned during the 2024-25 monsoon season at a cost of ₹49.55 lakh, using both departmental machinery and external agencies. He confirmed that cleaning will be conducted again before the 2025-26 monsoon season.
Additionally, the government has procured 13 heavy machines, allowing drain cleaning at a fuel cost of ₹19.28 lakh—just a quarter of the cost had the work been outsourced. The Minister emphasized that this is the first time any government has purchased such machinery for the task.