Punjab CM Announces Canal Water Release for Kharif Sowing

PUNJAB'S agricultural landscape is set for a boost as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared the release of canal water from May 1, providing much-needed relief to paddy growers. With 21,000 cusecs flowing through the state's canal system, farmers can now gear up confidently for the upcoming sowing season. Backed by a Rs 6,700 crore overhaul of irrigation systems, Punjab has rolled out a 14,000 km pipeline grid and activated 7,000 fresh water channels. To further aid farmers, eight-hour power schedules have been implemented across four regions, facilitating smooth operations from land preparation to planting. Beyond paddy, this water allocation supports diverse crops like cotton in Malwa, alongside vegetables, corn, and livestock feed. A key highlight is the enhanced groundwater replenishment, where levels have surged by 2-4 meters due to strategic recharge points. In his Chandigarh press briefing, Mann detailed these advancements, focusing on curbing tube well overuse. On X, the CM shared insights into water resources, agriculture, and youth prospects, reaffirming the government's commitment to surface water dependency. 'Our goal is clear: less groundwater extraction, more canal reach to every field,' he asserted. The Rs 6,700 crore expenditure till March underscores the scale of transformation. Looking ahead, Mann emphasized enduring gains from aquifer recharge schemes, benefiting posterity. Punjab, synonymous with abundance, cannot survive without safeguarding its waters, he warned. Boasting 21 lakh cubic meters recharged last year, these measures blend short-term relief with visionary conservation, positioning Punjab as a model for sustainable farming in India.