In a major initiative to conserve Punjab’s rapidly depleting groundwater and strengthen irrigation infrastructure, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday launched the ₹34.51 crore Kalyan Watercourse Concrete Lining Project. The ambitious project will modernise 60.66 kilometres of the watercourse, increase its canal water carrying capacity by 10%, and ensure improved irrigation for 50,819 acres across 42 villages in Barnala and Malerkotla.
Scheduled for completion by October 2026, the project is expected to significantly reduce farmers’ dependence on groundwater, providing major relief to the dark zone areas of the state. Addressing a gathering in Barnala, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “Under this project, 60.66 kilometres of the Kalyan Watercourse will be lined with concrete at a total cost of ₹34.51 crore.
The entire project will be completed by October 2026.” Highlighting the benefits of the project, the Chief Minister said, “Concrete lining of the watercourse will increase the canal water carrying capacity by 10%. The present carrying capacity of 150.40 cusecs will increase to 170.61 cusecs after completion of the project.”
Underscoring its impact on agriculture, he said, “The canal water will benefit 42 villages covering 50,819 acres in Barnala and Malerkotla districts. This project will prove to be a boon for the dark zone area, as the Mahal Kalan block has been classified as a dark zone due to excessive extraction of groundwater.”
Emphasising the long-term significance of the project, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann said, “Concrete lining of the Kalyan Watercourse will significantly improve the availability of canal water and reduce farmers’ dependence on groundwater.” Recalling the history of the watercourse, the Chief Minister said, “The Kalyan Watercourse, originating from Malerkotla, was brick-lined during the 1980s.
However, due to the negligence of previous governments, it deteriorated over the years and could no longer function at its full capacity.” CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated, “As a result, farmers were not receiving adequate canal water for irrigation. The new project will ensure better irrigation facilities, improve agricultural productivity and enhance crop yields.”