Punjab Water Resources and Soil & Water Conservation Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal today dedicated seven irrigation and infrastructure projects worth nearly Rs.45.74 crore to the people of the Fazilka Assembly constituency. He inaugurated three completed projects executed at a cost of Rs.33.51 crore.
He also laid the foundation stones of a Rs.8.89 crore VR Bridge over the Sutlej River Creek and three projects worth Rs.3.34 crore relating to underground pipeline irrigation and reclamation of waterlogged land through a vertical drainage system powered by solar pumps.
The projects include concrete lining of 42.56 kilometres of canals, brick lining of 81.36 kilometres of watercourses, a community underground pipeline irrigation scheme and works related to the reclamation of waterlogged land. The Cabinet Minister said these projects are aimed at ensuring efficient canal water distribution and strengthening the delivery of irrigation water to tail-end areas.
Fazilka MLA Mr. Narinder Pal Singh Sawna was also present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the Water Resources Department has completed canal lining and watercourse lining works under the Ferozepur Canal Circle, resulting in improved water flow through canals and a significant enhancement in water availability at the tail ends.
He added that the renovation and lining of earthen watercourses have enabled farmers to receive a larger and more reliable supply of canal water. He further said that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has accorded top priority to ensuring canal water reaches tail-end areas.
As a result, water availability at the tail ends has increased from 26 per cent to 80 per cent, a milestone achieved for the first time in Punjab's history. Later, the Cabinet Minister laid the foundation stone of the Rs.8.89 crore VR Bridge over the Sutlej River Creek, which will connect village Walle Shah Utar (Noorshah) with Walle Shah Hithar (Gulaba Bhaini).
He said the bridge, measuring approximately 370 feet in length, is expected to be completed by June 2027. Once completed, it will facilitate smooth connectivity for residents of 11 to 12 villages, including Walle Shah Hithar, Gulaba Bhaini, Rete Wali Bhaini and Gatti No.1, while reducing the distance to Jalalabad by nearly 15 to 20 kilometres.
The Cabinet Minister also inaugurated one project and laid the foundation stones of three projects worth Rs.3.64 crore under the Soil and Water Conservation Department. These include the inauguration of a Community Underground Pipeline Project at Mogha No. 67800 costing Rs.30 lakh.
The foundation stones were laid for the Community Underground Pipeline Project at Mogha No. 63997 costing Rs.51 lakh, a Vertical Drainage System Project for reclamation of waterlogged land through solar pumps at village Khui Khera costing Rs.83 lakh and another project worth Rs.2 crore at village Lakhewali Dhab.
Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann is making sustained investments to strengthen the state's irrigation infrastructure. Projects such as canal lining, watercourse lining, pipeline-based irrigation systems and bridge construction will not only improve irrigation facilities for farmers but also enhance rural connectivity.
Speaking on the occasion, Fazilka MLA Mr. Narinder Pal Singh Sawna said the Punjab Government remains firmly committed to safeguarding the interests of farmers. He said watercourses are being lined across the state with investments worth crores of rupees to ensure uninterrupted canal water supply up to the tail ends.
He added that the pace of development works will continue in the coming years. He further said the Punjab Government is committed to the holistic development of farmers and rural areas, with canal lining, underground pipeline networks, bridge construction and other infrastructure projects being executed on a large scale across the state.