Sri Muktsar Sahib, July 27: The visionary decision of the state government led by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann to construct ‘Malwa Canal’ in the state will help in irrigating around two lakh acres of land thereby ushering an era of unprecedented development and progress in the state.

150-kilometre Canal to Irrigate Over 2 Lakh Acres

The Chief Minister checked the ongoing work of the Malwa Canal during his visit to the district. The proposal suggests off-taking the canal from Harike Headworks and running it along the left side of the Rajasthan Feeder Canal, from its headwork to near the village of Warring Khera, partly on land the Rajasthan government acquired for the Rajasthan Feeder.  It will provide additional water resources to the left side of the Rajasthan Feeder , which the Sirhind Feeder cannot supply effectively. The 149.53-kilometre long canal will discharge 2000 cusecs and will be constructed at a cost of Rs 2300 crore.

High Demand Strains Punjab’s Water Supply During Khariff Season

This move becomes significant because, during the Kharif season, high demand prevents the Ferozepur Feeder from meeting the entire demand of Punjab state, which in turn affects the supply in the Sirhind Feeder. The situation becomes so severe that  Punjab has to run its canals on rotation.

302 lift pumps operate between RD 7100 and 430080 of SF, irrigating the area on the left side of the Rajasthan Feeder. The Sirhind Canal system originally irrigated this area, including the Abohar Branch Upper and Bathinda Branch, which received water from Ropar Head Works. 

 Improve Water Supply for Abohar, Fazilka

However Instead of improving supply of water at tail portion of Sirhind Canal system, the then government took the decision to supply water to this area from Sirhind Feeder through Lift pumps. Thus, there is a shortage of water for the new l system of Abohar and Fazilka. As a long term measure to improve irrigation facility in the area, the present government has taken the decision to construct another canal namely Malwa Canal parallel to Twin Canals. Rajasthan Feeder and Sirhind Feeder. Thus more water will be available for Abohar Area from Sirhind Feeder. After construction of this canal the both the areas of Muktsar, giddebaha, bathinda, Ziraas well as areas of Abohar, Ferozpur and Fazilak will get their rightfull share of water.