In a major decision which could benefit thousands of farmers in Punjab, the Centre has sanctioned `916 crore project of brick lining of the water courses attached with 130-km length of Kotla Branch of Sirhind canal, which would cover 561 villages of Bathinda, Mansa, Sangrur and Barnala districts of the State.
In a statement issued here, Union Minister for Food Processing Industries, Harsimrat Kaur Badal said the Ministry of Water Resources had issued a sanction letter for the renovation and modernisation of water channels of first Patiala feeder and Kotla Branch, which would increase capacity of the canals.
She said the brick lining of the water courses always remained a major cause of concern for farmers and brick lined water courses not only curbed wastage of water but also ensure every farmer to get his full share of water.
lakhs of farmers of 13 Assembly constituencies comprising Mansa, Budhladha, Sardulgarh, Maur , Talwandi Sabo, Bathinda (Rural), Sangrur, Dhuri, Sunam, Amargarh, Barnala, Mehal Kalan and Bhaduar would benefit from this decision, she added.
Bricklining of water courses were long pending demands of farmers in this area. Total length of water courses which will be brick lined under this project will be 4418 km. This project is estimated to be completed by March 31, 2017.
“I was always worried about the water shortage being faced by the farmers of Malwa region. Farmers of Sangrur, Barnala, Mansa and Bathinda were facing problems due to faulty water courses. There was urgent need to brick line these water courses,” said Harsimrat.
Punjab Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal said, “This project will prove a boon for the farmers. It will be run under ratio 50:50 share by Centre and State. It will be a big help for the farmers of the region.”