North News
Chandigarh/Faridkot, November 29
Punjab’s Water Resources Minister Brinder Kumar Goyal announced significant measures to improve the state’s irrigation system, including plans to renovate canals, minors, and water courses. The initiative aims to optimize the use of canal and dam water, reduce groundwater dependence, and conserve electricity.
At the inauguration of two newly constructed steel bridges on the Sirhind and Rajasthan Feeders in Faridkot, Goyal emphasized that the renovation project would address the 38% of water currently being wasted. He highlighted that the state government has increased the Irrigation Department’s budget from Rs. 400 crore to Rs. 1,500 crore to enhance water resource utilization.
“The objective is to achieve 100% water usage from canals and dams,” Goyal said, noting that this move would reduce reliance on groundwater and lead to significant savings in electricity costs due to fewer tubewell operations. He described the renovation plan as a critical step toward conserving Punjab’s natural resources, a task that has been neglected for the past 40 years.
The two steel bridges, costing Rs. 10.24 crore, will improve transportation connectivity, particularly for Faridkot and surrounding districts. Goyal praised the district administration for completing the bridges four months ahead of schedule. Two more bridges, near Talwandi Bypass, are under construction, with one expected to open by January 2025.
MLA S. Gurditt Singh Sekhon also commended the early completion of the bridges, which were originally set to take a year but were finished in just nine months for public use.
The event was attended by key officials, including Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar and SDM Major Dr. Varun Kumar, along with representatives from the Aam Aadmi Party.
