In his address to the state legislature, Governor Banwari Lal Purohit of Punjab declared that his Government had ensured the availability of canal water to farmers, particularly those at the tail ends who had been deprived of it for years.

utilisation of canal water had increased by over 38%

Governor Banwari Lal Purohit stated that during the year, the utilisation of canal water had increased by over 38% during peak demand periods. Timely canal cleaning and daily monitoring using technology facilitated his achievement. Additionally, he accomplished the restoration of 45 previously abandoned canals spanning approximately 400 kilometres. He also concrete-lined over 1000 kilometres of canals for the first time and restored 14100 water courses that had been idle for over 30 years. Furthermore, he converted 10876 bhaicharak khals to government khals.

Governor highlighted the successful efforts of Government

Governor Purohit highlighted the successful efforts made by the Government to ensure the Sardulgarh block in Mansa district received its rightful share of canal water from Haryana through the Tohana Head works, ending a long-standing deprivation.

The State cleaned 13,000 kilometers of canals

Governor Banwari Lal Purohit  said Moreover, more than 13000 kilometers of canals were cleaned in the State using funds under MGNREGA, significantly increasing the utilisation of MGNREGA funds for canal maintenance. Governor Purohit expressed satisfaction that the long-pending Shahpurkandi Dam Project had commenced, with water filling the reservoir and expected benefits including irrigation potential expansion and additional power generation.

129 recharge sites constructed within a year

Governor Purohit noted the repeal of the outdated Northern Indian Canal and Drainage Act 1873, streamlining processes and providing relief to farmers.Additionally, we addressed declining groundwater levels by using canal water for recharge, constructing 129 recharge sites within a year.

state’s captive coal mine in Pachhwara led to substantial savings

Governor Banwari Lal Purohit  said Despite facing unprecedented rains resulting in floods, the Government took prompt measures to minimise damage, particularly to farmers. Efforts to provide reliable and affordable power included the acquisition of the GVK Goindwal Sahib thermal plant and securing solar power at reduced rates. Operations at the state’s captive coal mine in Pachhwara led to substantial savings and improved plant operations.

90% of households, with zero bills in a billing cycle,

Governor Banwari Lal Purohit  said Punjab met its all-time highest peak demand for electricity during the year, with uninterrupted power supply to agriculture consumers during the paddy season contributing to a bumper crop. The implementation of a free electricity scheme benefited around 70 lakh households, representing 90% of households, with zero bills in a billing cycle, since July 2022.