Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is making significant efforts for the state's progress and holistic development and an extensive plan has already been unveiled to channelize canal water to the tail-ends besides ensuring optimal use of dam and canal water to conserve groundwater and electricity, said Punjab Water Resources, Mining & Geology and Soil & Water Conservation Minister Sh. Brinder Kumar Goyal after inaugurating newly constructed two steel-bridges on Sirhind Feeder and Rajasthan Feeder on Machaki Mall Singh Road, costing Rs.10.24 crore.
Sh. Brinder Kumar Goyal said that these bridges would significantly improve transportation connectivity for Faridkot and other districts as the previous bridges were extremely narrow, causing numerous commuting challenges. The Cabinet Minister categorically mentioned that these bridges were completed four months ahead of the scheduled timeline, crediting the district administration and departmental officers for their commendable work.
He further stated that two additional bridges are under construction near Talwandi Bypass, with an estimated cost of approximately Rs.40 crore, with one bridge set to be operational by January.The Water Resources Minister elaborated that the Mann government has developed a priority plan for efficient water resource utilization, increasing the Irrigation Department's budget from Rs.400-CR to Rs.1500-CR. "The goal is to achieve 100 percent water usage from canals and dams, targeting the renovation of canals, minors and water courses to utilize the 38 percent of water currently being wasted", he specifically mentioned.
He further said that 100 percent canal water usage would significantly reduce dependence on groundwater and result in substantial electricity savings due to reduced tubewell operations. Mann government's this initiative represents a major step towards conserving Punjab's natural resources, addressing a neglected aspect for the past 40 years, he added.
MLA S. Gurditt Singh Sekhon expressed gratitude to the Cabinet Minister for the project, saying that the bridge reconstruction work began in January 2024, originally planned for a year but completed four months ahead of schedule. The bridges were opened for public use two months earlier, considering public convenience, with the formal inauguration happening today.
Earlier, the Cabinet Minister was welcomed by a police guard of honour at the Baba Farid University Guest House. Prominent amongst others who were present on this occasion included Deputy Commissioner Mr. Vineet Kumar, SDM Faridkot Major Dr. Varun Kumar, Executive Engineers and representatives from the Aam Aadmi Party.