The North News
Chandigarh, March 25
The Punjab Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution to protect the state’s declining water levels and environment, urging immediate action from the union government. Water Resources Minister Brinder Kumar Goyal, speaking on the resolution introduced by MLA Gurdev Singh Dev Maan, highlighted the AAP-led government’s efforts in water conservation. He expressed disappointment over what he described as the federal government’s neglect of Punjab’s water crisis.
Goyal detailed a sharp rise in state spending on water conservation, stating that while the previous Congress government allocated ₹2,046 crore between 2019 and 2022, the current administration has invested over ₹4,557 crore since 2022—more than double the previous amount.
“From day one, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann prioritized bringing water to agricultural land, and we have successfully implemented that vision,” he said.
The minister noted that canal water utilization has increased from 68% to 84% under the current government. Key restoration projects have revived 17,072 watercourses spanning 6,300 km, many of which had remained non-functional for decades. Additionally, 79 canals covering 545 km have been restored, benefiting 41,135 acres of farmland. In the Fazilka district near the Pakistan border, 12 canals that had been inactive for 15 years have been brought back into operation.
The government is also constructing new canals in Malerkotla, Pathankot, Amritsar, and Tarn Taran, where 23 long-defunct canals have been revived.
To improve groundwater recharge, 129 canal water recharge sites have been completed, with 60 more under development. The government has excavated 127 new ponds and connected them to canals, alongside linking 66 existing ponds for enhanced groundwater recharge.
Despite these efforts, Goyal criticized the central government for failing to support Punjab’s water conservation initiatives. He said that while federal agencies frequently warn about declining groundwater levels in the state, they have not provided the necessary financial aid to address the crisis.
“Punjab needs ₹17,000 crore to complete watercourse work and underground pipe installation, which could save 20% of our water,” he said. “Despite restoring many canals, the system is still underfunded and cannot carry water at full capacity.”
He further urged central government support, emphasizing that Punjab had sacrificed its water resources for national food security but had received little in return. “For a state that has given its water for the nation, the union government must act now to help us secure our future.”
Goyal also called on legislators to lead by example in water conservation efforts at the community level.
