8 km pipeline to deliver canal water to 767 acres of farmland, directly benefiting 120 farmers: Barinder Kumar Goyal
• Canal irrigation network is continuously expanding across Punjab: Water Resources Minister
Chandigarh/Ludhiana, July 21:
To support farmers and boost agriculture in the state, Punjab Water Resources, Mining, and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal inaugurated a Rs 1.10 crore Lift Irrigation Scheme at Poonia village in Samrala constituency. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister affirmed the Punjab government commitment to delivering canal water to every farmer’s field to reduce reliance on groundwater and make farming sustainable in the long run.
The Water Resources Minister shared that Poonia village had been deprived of canal water for a long time, leading to a steady drop in local groundwater levels. Under this Rs 1.10 crore project, an 8 km pipeline has been laid, bringing canal irrigation to 767 acres of farmland. The scheme will directly benefit around 120 farmers and lower their overall irrigation expenses.
He noted that although the Sirhind Canal was built in 1985, this area never received its benefits. After taking office in 2022, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann promised to deliver canal water to every farm, a promise that is now being fulfilled. He added that seven lift irrigation schemes on the Sirhind Canal have brought canal water to 2,124 acres for the very first time.
Sh. Goyal further mentioned that Rs.43.50 crore has been spent on canal renovation and underground pipelines in the Samrala constituency, ensuring a regular supply of canal water for 12,630 acres. Across Punjab, the state government has spent nearly Rs.7,200 crore to expand canal irrigation—a historic step toward conserving groundwater, saving electricity, and improving soil fertility.
He highlighted that canal water usage was just 26% in 2022, but it has now reached 86%, with the state aiming for 100%. Additionally, canal water has reached 1,550 villages in Punjab for the first time since independence, marking a major transformation in the state’s irrigation system.
To promote environmental purity, Barinder Kumar Goyal also planted saplings at the inauguration site in Poonia village.
Samrala MLA Jagtar Singh Diyalpura stated that the launch of this canal water project in Poonia will strengthen the financial position of local farmers and give agriculture a fresh boost. He noted that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s leadership, the Punjab government is systematically expanding the canal network to lessen dependence on groundwater.
He added that access to canal water will reduce farmers’ expenses on diesel-powered irrigation, cutting farming costs and boosting incomes. Canal water also contains valuable nutrients that improve soil fertility. This project will make the farming system stronger, more sustainable, and eco-friendly for generations to come.
The event was attended by Manoj Kumar Bansal (Managing Director, Punjab Water Resources Management and Development Corporation), Superintending Engineer Maninder Singh, Executive Engineer Gaurav, along with officials from various departments, community leaders, local residents, and a large number of farmers.
