These pipelines are crucial for conveying canal water to fields that have become barren due to water shortages.

Chandigarh: The Bhagwant Mann government is committed to saving groundwater resources in Punjab by facilitating the distribution of canal water to the village tails. As part of this initiative, the Land and Water Conservation Department has laid 2,400 km of underground pipelines to deliver water for irrigation, benefiting over 30,282 hectares of land across the state.

Under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's leadership, the government is making significant efforts to meet the demand for canal water, address water scarcity, and promote sustainable agricultural practices. To support this endeavor, the government offers a 90% subsidy for farmer groups and a 50% subsidy for individual farmers. Efficient irrigation systems have also been implemented, bringing approximately 6,000 hectares under drip and sprinkler irrigation, with subsidies of up to 90%.

These pipelines are crucial for conveying canal water to fields that have become barren due to water shortages. In the current climate, saving groundwater is essential, and using canal water for agriculture is a vital strategy. The government encourages public participation in this campaign for water conservation.

Under the Mann government, 15,914 canals have been restored to direct water to the village tails, marking a significant achievement. For the first time in four decades, water has flowed through 20 canals, reaching 916 mines and ditches, with some areas receiving irrigation after 35-40 years, providing much-needed relief to parched lands.

Additionally, 28 underground pipeline-based irrigation projects have been initiated to utilize 300 million liters of water daily from sewage treatment plants for irrigation, promoting alternative uses of canal water. This initiative supports the use of alternative sources of surface water. Furthermore, solar-lift irrigation projects have been launched in 125 villages to use pond water for irrigation, reducing dependence on groundwater.

The government has also constructed 160 rainwater harvesting-cum-recharging structures and check dams in the semi-hilly coastal areas to control soil erosion and protect against flooding. Additionally, two NABARD-funded projects worth Rs 277.57 crore have been launched to expand the underground pipeline-based irrigation network, which is expected to benefit over 40,000 hectares of land.