Sangrur (Punjab), Apr 30 (PTI) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday called upon farmers across the state to shift towards canal-based irrigation and reduce excessive dependence on groundwater.
He was interacting with villagers during a visit to his native village Satauj.
Mann underlined that Punjab's future is inseparably tied to its water resources and that preserving them is both a necessity and a collective responsibility.
"Punjab's very existence is intrinsically linked to its water, and preserving it is not merely a policy priority but a moral responsibility," he said, while announcing that canal water will be made available from May 1 itself for the upcoming paddy season, marking a significant shift from conventional irrigation schedules.
This is the first time in Punjab's history that canal water is being released from May 1 to benefit farmers ahead of the paddy sowing season, the chief minister said. Mann also said that 21,000 cusecs of water has already been released into the canal network to facilitate early irrigation. "We are committed to ensuring that every single drop of water is conserved and utilized efficiently."
Reaffirming Punjab's rights over its water, Mann said, "Punjab has neither shared any water with other states nor allowed any flow towards Pakistan, ensuring that the entire allocation is utilized for the benefit of our farmers."
He pointed to the alarming depletion of groundwater due to decades of over-extraction and stressed the need for an immediate shift in approach.
"Groundwater is a precious and finite resource that must be preserved for future generations. The time has come for a collective shift in mindset. Canal water is not just an alternative, it is the sustainable future of Punjab's agriculture," Mann said, urging farmers to reduce reliance on tube wells.
Detailing the government's efforts, he said, "Since March 2026, Rs 6,700 crore has been spent on irrigation projects across Punjab, with approximately 14,000 kilometres of pipelines and watercourses laid to ensure efficient water distribution and minimize losses."
He added that before the current paddy season, an additional 4,000 kilometres of watercourses and 3,000 kilometres of pipelines will become operational.
Expressing a deep personal connection, the CM said, "This is my village, my people. I know everyone here personally, and that makes this visit even more special."
He appealed directly to villagers, stating "do not extract excessive groundwater through tube wells. Every drop saved today will safeguard our tomorrow."
Mann further said groundwater recharge points have been established at intervals of every 20 metres along canal networks to enhance natural replenishment of underground water reserves.
On the legislative front, he described the passage of the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Bill, 2026 as a historic step.
"This law ensures stricter punishment for acts of sacrilege and sends a clear message that any attempt to desecrate sacred texts will not be tolerated under any circumstances," he said.
Such acts are not merely crimes against religion but offenses against humanity, often aimed at disturbing peace and harmony, he further said.
"With this law in place, those found guilty will face exemplary punishment. It will act as a strong deterrent and ensure that such heinous acts are not repeated," Mann stated, while reaffirming that the teachings of Sri Guru Granth Sahib continue to guide society towards righteousness and unity.
Announcing another major reform, Mann said that his government has taken a historic decision to shift high-tension electricity wires passing through agricultural fields underground. He said that the project is currently in the execution phase and will soon begin as a pilot initiative.
"This will eliminate risks to human life, prevent crop damage, and remove constraints on agricultural operations. It will be a game-changer for farmers," the CM said, adding that the pilot project will begin from his native village covering around 413 tube wells and 1,100 electricity poles spread across 2,000 acres. PTI CHS KVK
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