In a landmark year for Punjab's water conservation efforts, the Department of Soil and Water Conservation has achieved unprecedented milestones in sustainable water management and agricultural infrastructure development.
Divulging further, the Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that the state has implemented transformative projects that are reshaping Punjab's irrigation landscape while ensuring environmental sustainability.
"Our commitment to sustainable water management has translated into concrete actions that directly benefit our farming community," stated Sh. Goyal. "The year 2024 has been pivotal in our mission to optimize water usage while enhancing agricultural productivity."
Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal informed that to expand the underground pipeline-based irrigation network in the state, two new NABARD-funded projects worth Rs.277.57 crores have been initiated. These projects are set to benefit more than 40,000 hectares, marking a significant expansion of irrigation infrastructure.
The department has also made significant strides in promoting alternate surface water use through the initiation of 18 underground pipeline-based irrigation projects. These projects harness 67 MLD treated water from sewerage treatment plants, benefiting more than 2,233 hectares through an investment exceeding Rs.50 crores.
To ensure irrigation water reaches tail-end areas effectively, the department has laid 860 kilometers of underground pipeline, benefiting 10,841 hectares, informed the Cabinet Minister, adding that this initiative has been supported by providing 90% subsidy to farmers' groups and 50% subsidy to individual farmers.
In a major push for water conservation, approximately 1,874 hectares have been brought under drip and sprinkler irrigation systems, with subsidies up to 90%. The department has also launched Solar-Lift Irrigation projects in 27 villages across the state, utilizing village pond water for irrigation to check groundwater exploitation, he added.
Similarly, 42 Water Harvesting-cum-recharging structures and Check Dams have been constructed in the sub-mountainous Kandi area of the state, serving the dual purpose of conserving rainwater and preventing soil erosion and flash floods.
He said that the year 2024 also saw the launch of several first-time dedicated programs in the state, focusing on maximizing surface water use from canals and village ponds, check dam construction, soil and land protection, flood proofing and roof-top rainwater recharging, all designed to benefit the state's farming community.
"These achievements shows our holistic approach to water conservation and agricultural sustainability," said Minister Goyal, adding, "Our initiatives not only address immediate irrigation needs but also ensure long-term water security for Punjab's farming community."