The official announcement is expected during the AAP's Maghi Mela conference in Muktsar on January 14.
Punjab Govt Set to Allay Farmer Fears, Pave Way for Malwa Canal Project
The Punjab Government has decided to allow farmers to continue using lift pumps along the Sirhind Feeder to clear hurdles for the ambitious Malwa Canal project. The official announcement is expected during the AAP’s Maghi Mela conference in Muktsar on January 14.
The decision aims to resolve over 500 objections raised by farmers who feared the new 149 km canal would render their existing irrigation infrastructure useless.
The Malwa Canal, a pet project of CM Bhagwant Mann, is designed to run parallel to the Sirhind Feeder and irrigate nearly 2 lakh acres across Muktsar, Ferozepur, and Faridkot districts. However, the project faced stiff resistance from 524 lift-pump owners, particularly in Gidderbaha, who feared water shortages and waterlogging.
By formally allowing these pumps to remain operational, the government expects to end land acquisition stalemates. Presently, 317 pumps draw 261 cusecs of water, which often prevents tail-end villages in Abohar and Fazilka from receiving their share.
Source: The Tribune
