Chandigarh: Punjab Land & Water Conservation and Water Resources Minister S. Chetan Singh Jodmajra said here today that Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government is taking concrete steps to meet the demand of canal water for irrigation as well as to tackle water shortage in the state and promote sustainable agricultural activities.
S. Chetan Singh Jodha Majra informed that 2400 km of underground pipelines have been laid by the Land and Water Conservation Department to supply water to the fields for irrigation, which is benefiting 30,282 hectares of area in the state. He said that under this initiative, 90 percent subsidy is being provided to farmer groups and 50 percent subsidy is being provided to individual farmers. The Cabinet Minister said that under efficient water irrigation systems for agriculture, about 6,000 hectares of area has been brought under drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, for which up to 90 percent subsidy is being given.
He said that 15,914 khaals have been restored by the Mann government to supply water to the talus, which is a major achievement of the government. He said that for the first time in four decades, water has started flowing in 20 canals, which has brought water to 916 minors and khaals. He said that some areas have got water for irrigation after 35-40 years, which is a big relief for the lands that have been dry for a long time.
Discussing the serious issue of ground water depletion in Punjab in view of 114 out of 150 blocks of the state being under dark zone, Mr. Chetan Singh Jodha Majra said that the State Government has adopted a multi-pronged approach in this direction and has taken several initiatives for efficient use of ground water, which includes proper use of canals and sub-surface water resources, new schemes, increase in budget and timely release of funds.
Mr. Joda Majra informed that to encourage alternate use of canal water, 28 underground pipeline based irrigation projects have been started to use 300 MLD (million litres per day) water from sewerage treatment plants for irrigation. He said that this step is encouraging the use of alternate sources of surface water. Besides, solar-lift irrigation projects have been started in 125 villages to use pond water for irrigation which will reduce dependence on groundwater.
He said that 160 water harvesting-cum-recharging structures and check dams have been constructed in the Neem Pahari area to conserve rainwater, prevent soil erosion and provide protection against floods. He said that the government has also launched two projects with NABARD funding of Rs 277.57 crore for expansion of underground pipeline based irrigation network, which will benefit more than 40,000 hectares of area.
Mr. Jodha Majra said that for the first time in the state, several programmes have been initiated for the direct benefit of farmer community for maximum use of surface water from canals and village ponds, construction of check dams, soil/land protection and flood protection, establishment of roof-top recharging structures for rain water.
