Relining of Rajasthan Feeder Canal Underway on a ‘War Footing’; Minister Goyal Conducts Surprise Inspection…
Faridkot (Alexander D’Souza): Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government has geared up for the rejuvenation of the canals considered to be the lifelines of Punjab. In this context, Punjab Cabinet Minister Mr. Barinder Kumar Goyal today took stock of the ongoing relining works on the Rajasthan Feeder Canal. The Minister issued a stern warning to officials, stating that there would be absolutely no compromise on quality and that the work must be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
60-Year-Old Threat to be Eliminated:
Speaking to the media at the site, Minister Goyal explained that this canal was nearly six decades old, and its condition had become extremely dilapidated.
Safety Concerns: There was a constant risk of the ‘common bank’ (shared embankment) of the Rajasthan Feeder and the Sirhind Feeder breaching, which posed a persistent threat of flooding across the entire region.
Major Investment: The government has already completed the relining of the Sirhind Feeder at a cost of ₹800 crore, ensuring that the fear of loss of life and property is now a thing of the past.
Major Decision in the Interest of the Environment and Farmers: Canal ‘Bed’ to be Constructed Using Bricks:
Responding to specific demands from the residents, farmers, and social organizations of Faridkot, the government has implemented a technical modification.
Natural Recharge: Within a 12.50 km stretch near the city, bricks—rather than concrete—are being laid on the bed (bottom) of the canal.
Objective: The primary objective of this initiative is to naturally recharge the groundwater, thereby improving the water table in the region.
Budget: The renovation of the remaining 16.62 km stretch of the Rajasthan Feeder is estimated to cost ₹170 crore. 26% to 78% Surge in Canal Water Utilization:
Enumerating the achievements of the Mann government, Mr. Goyal stated that the impact of the ₹6,700 crore investment in infrastructure is now visible on the ground:
“The utilization of canal water in the state—which previously stood at a mere 26%—has now surged to 78%. Today, adequate water is reaching even the fields of farmers situated at the ‘tail-end’ (the farthest point) of the canal network.”
Wave of Joy in the Region:
The local MLA, S. Gurdit Singh Sekhon, expressed his gratitude to the government for this project. He remarked that the decision to line the canal bed with bricks would not only prevent seepage but also provide a permanent solution to the problem of waterlogging.
Presence at the Venue:
Present during this review meeting were SDM Puneet Sharma, former MLA Ramanpreet Singh Mann, Chief Engineer Sher Singh, Superintending Engineer Sandeep Goyal, along with other senior officials from the Irrigation Department.
News: 8-3
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