Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora today laid the foundation stone for a major irrigation project involving the installation of a new water outlet (mogha) and the laying of a pipeline from the Ghaggar Branch Canal in Akbarpur village of the Sunam constituency. The project is being undertaken at a cost of Rs.02.25 crore.
Upon completion, the project will provide canal water to 789 acres of cultivable land in Akbarpur village for the first time since Independence and will directly benefit nearly 250 families. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Cabinet Minister Mr. Aman Arora said that the Punjab Government is committed to conserving the state's water resources and providing farmers with the irrigation facilities they require.
He said that previous governments merely played politics over water-related issues and failed to safeguard Punjab’s rightful share of water. In contrast, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is taking concrete steps not only to protect the state's water rights but also to strengthen canal infrastructure across the state.
Arora remarked that it was surprising that despite Akbarpur village being located in close proximity to the Ghaggar Branch Canal, local farmers had never received canal water. He said that villagers had brought this long-pending issue to his attention, following which the project was approved and work has now commenced.
Arora added that the project would reduce irrigation costs for farmers, decrease dependence on groundwater, and provide a significant boost to agriculture. He further stated that the Punjab Government’s initiatives to promote the use of canal water are already yielding positive results in improving the state's groundwater situation.
The Cabinet Minister further stated that the Punjab Government is continuously working towards the holistic development of villages and is addressing long-pending public demands on a priority basis. He assured the people that there would be no shortage of funds for the development of the Sunam constituency.
Responding to a media query regarding the ongoing strike by Sewa Kendra employees, Aman Arora said that the Punjab Government had entrusted the operation of Sewa Kendras to the concerned company through a completely transparent and rule-based tendering process. He stated that responsibility for the operation of the centres and matters relating to employees rests with the company concerned.
He added that although the government does not have a direct role in this matter, it will not tolerate any situation in which citizens face difficulties in accessing government services. Ensuring the uninterrupted delivery of public services remains the government's top priority, and necessary steps will be taken to safeguard public convenience.
Prominent local residents, officials from various departments, Panchayati Raj representatives, and a large number of villagers were present on the occasion.