Chandigarh, April 29 Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced a major relief for farmers ahead of the paddy season, declaring that canal water for irrigation will be made available from May 1, with 21,000 cusecs of water to be released across the state.
Backed by a Rs 6,700 crore investment in irrigation infrastructure, a 14,000-km pipeline network, and the activation of 7,000 newly constructed watercourses and channels, the government has paired this push with an eight-hour power supply schedule across four zones to streamline sowing. The move not only ensures assured irrigation for paddy but also secures water availability for cotton, horticulture, maize and fodder in the Malwa region, while delivering tangible gains in groundwater recharge, with levels rising by two to four metres.
Taking to X, CM Mann said, “During a press conference held in Chandigarh today, important information was shared regarding Punjab’s water resources, agriculture, and the bright future of its youth. Our primary objective is to reduce the use of groundwater and ensure that canal water reaches every field.”
Highlighting the shift towards sustainable irrigation, Mann said, “We have ensured that dependency on canal water increases so that pressure on tubewells is reduced.” He added, “
Emphasising long-term benefits, the Chief Minister said this water will also help recharge groundwater through various recharge schemes, which will benefit future generations.” Highlighting groundwater conservation, Mann said recharge points have been created in canals and rivers, resulting in an increase in water levels by two to four metres.
He added, “This decision is aimed at securing the future of coming generations, because Punjab stands for water, and without water, the state has no existence.” Sharing further achievements, the Chief Minister said, “It is a matter of pride that due to the efforts of the Punjab government, 21 lakh cubic metres of water have been recharged in the last one year.”
Addressing crop planning, he said to avoid complications for farmers in selling paddy due to high moisture content in October, the government has decided to advance the paddy cultivation season from June 1.
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