To address water scarcity and enhance sustainable agriculture, Punjab’s Soil and Water Conservation and Water Resources Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra on Wednesday announced the completion of an ambitious irrigation project that has transformed over 30,000 hectares of farmland. Under this initiative, 2,400 kilometers of underground pipelines have been laid, significantly improving irrigation access for farmers across the state.
The initiative aims to meet the full demand for canal water and combat the critical issue of groundwater depletion. The project is supported by a substantial 90 percent subsidy for farmer groups and a 50 percent subsidy for individual farmers, fostering the adoption of water-efficient systems. Notably, around 6,000 hectares have been converted to drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, which benefit from similar high levels of financial support.
In a historic development, water has flowed through 20 canals for the first time in four decades, revitalizing 916 minor and major water courses. This revival is a lifeline for areas that have faced severe drought conditions for up to 35 years, rejuvenating long-dry lands and restoring vital water resources.
To address the state’s pressing groundwater issues — 114 of Punjab’s 150 blocks are classified as over-exploited — the government has launched a multi-faceted strategy. This includes new schemes, increased budgets, and timely fund releases aimed at optimizing both surface and sub-surface water use. Among the innovative solutions is the use of treated wastewater from sewerage systems, with 28 underground pipeline projects designed to utilize 300 MLD (Million Liters per Day) of this resource.
Additionally, solar-lift irrigation projects have been initiated in 125 villages to harness pond water, reducing dependency on groundwater. In the sub-mountainous Kandi region, 160 water harvesting and recharging structures have been built to conserve rainwater, prevent soil erosion, and mitigate flash floods.
The state has also embarked on two NABARD-funded projects worth Rs 277.57 crore to further expand underground pipeline irrigation networks, benefiting over 40,000 hectares. For the first time, dedicated programs for maximizing surface water use, constructing check dams, and enhancing rainwater harvesting are in place, designed to deliver direct benefits to Punjab’s farming community.