Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Monday inaugurated four newly constructed irrigation minors and a bridge in Sardulgarh constituency, Mansa district. These projects, completed at an estimated cost of ₹15 crore, aim to enhance irrigation facilities in the region.
Addressing the media after dedicating the projects to the public, Goyal stated that the four minors—Rorki Minor, Khaira Minor, Jhanda Minor, and Minor No-11 of Boha Distributary—were developed at a cost of ₹12.82 crore. Additionally, a historically significant bridge was constructed for ₹2.10 crore.
He elaborated that the Rorki Minor, spanning 45,125 feet, will provide irrigation and drinking water to several villages, benefiting 7,636 acres of land. The 22,040-foot-long Khaira Minor will support irrigation across 1,934 acres, while the 19,180-foot Jhanda Minor will serve 2,586 acres. Minor No-11 of Boha Distributary, extending 22,575 feet, will provide irrigation for 4,114 acres of farmland.
Goyal also inaugurated a steel footbridge over the Ghaggar River, constructed for ₹2.10 crore. The new bridge, replacing one destroyed in the 2023 floods, spans 94 meters and is designed to withstand varying water levels, providing crucial connectivity for nearby villages.
Highlighting the Punjab government’s water conservation efforts, Goyal shared that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, 17,565 water courses have been built or rehabilitated, and 4,500 km of underground pipelines laid. He noted that the government has invested ₹4,557 crore in canal infrastructure over three years—more than double the amount spent by previous administrations.
Additionally, the Mann government has relined the Sirhind Feeder at a cost of ₹35 crore, increasing its capacity from 900 to 1,600 cusecs to improve irrigation in Mansa, Patiala, and Sangrur districts. The government is also addressing the inequitable distribution of water, increasing allocations in Sardulgarh from two cusecs to three cusecs.
Goyal criticized the central government, stating that Punjab had sacrificed its groundwater resources to sustain the country’s food production, yet the Union government has failed to support Punjab’s water conservation efforts. He emphasized that ₹17,000 crore is required to construct canals and lay underground pipelines to save 20% more water, urging the central government to take action instead of offering advice.
MLA Gurpreet Singh Banawali reiterated the Punjab government’s commitment to bringing canal water to the farmlands and ensuring the welfare of farmers.
The event was attended by Chairman of the District Planning Board Charanjit Singh Akkanwali, religious leaders, government officials, and local representatives, including village Sarpanches and Panchs.