CM Mann Inaugurates Ferozepur Feeder Canal Upgrade

• Canal capacity increased by 2,681 cusecs after reconstruction
• Irrigation to cover 6.45 lakh hectares across four districts
• 6,900 km watercourses revived, 1,365 villages get canal water first time
• Mann reiterates stand on SYL, says Punjab has no surplus water

GG News Bureau
Malwa, 26th Feb: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday inaugurated the first phase of reconstruction and relining of the Ferozepur Feeder Canal at Makhu, calling it a transformative step for irrigation in the Malwa region.

The ₹180 crore project has enhanced the canal’s carrying capacity from 11,192 cusecs to 13,873 cusecs — an increase of 2,681 cusecs. The canal’s depth has been increased from 18 feet to 21 feet and width from 163 feet to 180 feet.

Originating from Harike Headworks, the canal is regarded as the lifeline of Malwa and is expected to benefit Ferozepur, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka districts. Fourteen blocks across these districts will gain improved irrigation access, covering nearly 6.45 lakh hectares.

Mann stated that earlier canal water reached only 21 per cent of Punjab’s fields, which has now increased to 68 per cent under the present government. The target is to raise coverage to 85 per cent by the upcoming paddy season.

He added that 6,900 kilometres of watercourses have been revived to ensure water supply to tail-end farmers. The state has spent ₹6,500 crore to rejuvenate the canal network, and 1,365 villages are receiving canal water for the first time.

Reiterating Punjab’s position on water disputes, Mann said the state has no surplus water to share with any other state and asserted that not a single drop would be allowed to flow outside. On the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal issue, he maintained that Punjab’s interests remain paramount.

He accused the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal of compromising Punjab’s interests through past water-sharing agreements.

The Chief Minister also highlighted that over 90 per cent of households are receiving free power and farmers are being supplied electricity during daytime. He said 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics have been opened, while the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna provides cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family.

Mann further claimed that more than 63,000 government jobs have been provided without corruption and reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating the drug menace through its anti-drug campaign.

The Centre has also given in-principle approval to shift the border fence closer to the International Border to facilitate cultivation of farmland beyond the fencing, he added.