Punjab Irrigation Turnaround: Mann Govt Expands Canal Water To 78% Farmland Within Four Years

Punjab’s irrigation landscape has seen a major shift in the last four years. The state government says it has managed to deliver water equivalent to the Bhakra canal by unlocking additional water from seasonal rivers and streams. Nearly 10,000 cusecs of extra water has been directed to agricultural fields. This was made possible by reviving old canal networks and improving water management. Farmers who earlier depended mainly on tube wells are now receiving canal water. The change is being seen as a significant development for Punjab’s agriculture. It has also helped restore confidence among farmers.

How Much Has Irrigation Coverage Expanded?

Until early 2022, canal irrigation reached only about 26.5 percent of Punjab’s farmland. A large portion of agriculture depended heavily on groundwater extraction. Today the coverage has expanded to nearly 78 percent. Canal water is now reaching almost 58 lakh acres of farmland. This means irrigation access has nearly tripled compared with earlier years. The government says better utilisation of available canal systems helped achieve this. Increased canal coverage is also expected to reduce pressure on underground water reserves. It is considered an important step for sustainable farming.

What Infrastructure Work Made This Possible?

Large-scale infrastructure work has been carried out to improve irrigation. The government says about ₹6,700 crore has been spent on canal lining, repairs and modernisation since April 2022. Nearly 13,000 kilometres of canals have been repaired or reconstructed. Along with this, about 7,000 water channels were restored. Thousands of canals and watercourses were also cleaned to ensure proper water flow. These efforts helped extend irrigation to tail-end farms that earlier received little or no canal water. As a result, water distribution has become more balanced across regions.

Were Abandoned Canals Revived Again?

A major highlight of the irrigation programme is the revival of long-abandoned canals. Around 101 canals covering nearly 545 kilometres were brought back into operation. Many of these canals had been closed for 30 to 40 years. Some had even disappeared under soil over time. Engineers identified these buried canals and restored them without acquiring new land. Their revival has allowed additional farmland to receive irrigation water. This effort has strengthened the overall canal network in Punjab.

What Is The Story Of The Sarhali Canal?

One notable example comes from Tarn Taran district. The 22-kilometre Sarhali Minor canal had completely disappeared due to neglect over the years. When engineers started work, they found the canal buried underground. Even local residents had forgotten its existence. After restoration work, the canal has now been revived and made operational again. Water from this canal is now reaching nearby agricultural fields. The project shows how neglected infrastructure can be revived with focused effort.

How Were Major Canal Systems Upgraded?

The government also upgraded major irrigation canals. The Ferozepur Feeder Canal, originally built in the early 1950s, was modernised and its capacity increased significantly. The Sirhind Canal, considered the lifeline of the Malwa region, was also upgraded after several decades. These upgrades improved water flow across large agricultural areas. Earlier, canal water used to be supplied to farmers on a rotational basis. Now water supply has become more regular in many regions. These improvements have strengthened the irrigation network across the state.

What Impact Will This Have On Farmers?

The expanded irrigation system has benefited thousands of villages. Around 1,400 villages are now receiving canal water for the first time since Independence. In many areas farmers had not seen canal irrigation for decades. Greater canal supply also reduces dependence on groundwater pumping. This helps protect Punjab’s rapidly declining water table. Experts say canal water also carries natural minerals that support soil health. With better irrigation access, crop productivity is expected to improve. For many farmers, the changes have brought renewed hope for sustainable agriculture in Punjab.