Punjab govt has committed to ensuring that no village is without essential facilities such as Thapar model ponds.

Chandigarh: The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is making significant strides in enhancing irrigation practices by maximizing the use of surface water from village ponds. For the first time in the state, several initiatives have been launched, including the construction of check dams, soil protection measures, and flood-proofing programs, aimed at directly benefiting farmers. Additionally, rooftop rainwater harvesting structures are being established.

New pipelines have been laid to transport pond water to fields in villages, proving to be highly effective in irrigating hundreds of acres of farmland. The renovation of Thapar model ponds is underway in villages across Punjab, with an investment of approximately Rs 30 lakhs, which helps alleviate pond pollution. Treated water is being utilized for irrigation, with pipelines being installed to ensure its delivery to agricultural fields.

The Punjab government has committed to ensuring that no village is without essential facilities such as Thapar model ponds, playgrounds, and community halls. These facilities will be available in every village, with reclaimed pond water being utilized and solar-powered motors installed for efficient operation. 

In a major initiative to harness solar energy for agriculture, the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has invited applications for 20,000 solar pumps (both surface and submersible). Farmers interested in installing solar pumps can apply online at [www.pmkusum.peda.gov.in](http://www.pmkusum.peda.gov.in) from September 9 to September 30, 2024. Farmers can apply for solar pumps with capacities of 3, 5, 7.5, and 10 HP, receiving a 60% subsidy for general category farmers and an 80% subsidy for Scheduled Caste (SC) farmers. Furthermore, the state government has reserved 2,000 solar pumps for SC farmers and 3,000 for Gram Panchayats.

In areas classified as dark zones, where groundwater usage is high, these solar pumps will be allocated to farmers who already have microirrigation systems, such as drip or fountain irrigation, installed on their motors. Additionally, farmers and panchayats using diesel pumps to draw water from village ponds, farm ponds, or canal water wells are also eligible to apply under this scheme.