Punjab Government Takes Major Steps to Protect Moonak Farmers from Floods and Provide Permanent Housing to Needy Families
Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal lays foundation stone for inlet gate on Ghaggar River at village Karail to resolve long-standing waterlogging issue
5 Dariya News
Moonak/Sangrur 02-Jan-2026
In a significant boost to farmers and underprivileged families in the Moonak area, Punjab’s Cabinet Minister for Water Resources and Mining, Barinder Kumar Goyal, undertook two major initiatives today aimed at flood protection and housing security. At village Karail, the Minister laid the foundation stone for an inlet gate on the Ghaggar River at Burji 3900 RD. The ₹32.80 lakh project, to be completed within one and a half months, will allow direct and immediate discharge of rainwater into the river, preventing waterlogging that previously damaged over 1,000 acres of farmland and caused heavy financial losses to farmers.
The new facility will eliminate the need for costly motor pumping, reduce electricity and diesel expenses, and ensure timely sowing of subsequent crops. Addressing the gathering, Barinder Goyal highlighted that the area faces annual flood threats from the Ghaggar River, but proactive measures taken under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann averted major damage last monsoon despite water levels reaching 753 feet.
He, however, sharply criticised the Central Government for withdrawing from its responsibility to resolve the inter-state Ghaggar issue between Punjab and Haryana, stating that the Punjab Government will vigorously defend the state’s water rights at every forum. The Minister also condemned proposed changes in the MGNREGA scheme as a “vile conspiracy” to deprive poor labourers of employment and weaken states financially.
In a separate event held in Moonak city, Barinder Goyal distributed cheques totalling ₹3.72 crore to 149 beneficiaries under the housing grant scheme. Each beneficiary received ₹2.50 lakh – an increase from the earlier ₹1.50 lakh – to construct permanent and sturdy homes amid rising inflation.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister emphasised that providing shelter is the foremost duty of any government and the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is fulfilling this responsibility with complete commitment. He described the funds as the people’s own money, collected through taxes and now being delivered directly without discrimination.
Goyal reiterated that his government is focused on public service rather than politics and is systematically delivering on all election promises, including free electricity, mohalla clinics, and employment opportunities. Large numbers of farmers, beneficiaries, local dignitaries, sarpanches, panchayat members, and officials attended both events.
Residents expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Minister and the Punjab Government for addressing their long-pending demands.