Barnala:- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has taken a big step to save the continuously depleting groundwater in the state and strengthen the irrigation system. He has launched the project of concrete lining (reinforcing) of Kalyan Rajwaha at a cost of Rs 34.51 crore.
According to a report by journalist Parshotam Balli (Regional Representative) from Barnala on July 1, the main points of this project are as follows:
Key details of the project and increase in profitability: By lining the Rajwaha with concrete, its capacity to carry canal water will increase by 10 percent. This will increase the current capacity of 150.40 cusecs of water to 170.61 cusecs.
Length and Timeframe: The renovation work of this 60.66 km long waterway will be completed by October 2026.
Benefit to villages and area: This project will provide better water for irrigation to 50,819 acres of land in 42 villages of Barnala and Malerkotla districts.
Big relief to farmers in 'dark zone' Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said that Mehal Kalan block of Barnala district falls in the 'dark zone' due to the groundwater level going down very low. This project will prove to be a boon for the farmers of this area. With the increase in the availability of canal water, the dependence of farmers on groundwater (tubewells) will be reduced to a great extent.
Background and Current Status The Chief Minister explained about the background of the project that this Kalyan Rajvaha, starting from Malerkotla, was paved with bricks during the 1980s. But due to the negligence and neglect of the previous governments, it deteriorated over time. Due to this, it was not able to function at its full capacity and the farmers were not getting enough canal water for irrigation. Now this new project will ensure better irrigation facilities for the farmers.