Punjab Completes First Phase of Canal Lining Project to Prevent Water Seepage

• admin
• June 27, 2025
• Development, Punjab
• 0 Comments

In a significant step toward water conservation, Punjab has successfully completed the first phase of its Canal Lining Project, aimed at preventing water seepage and ensuring efficient irrigation. This milestone is part of the state’s broader strategy to combat water scarcity and improve agricultural productivity.

Key Highlights of the Project

• Targeted Canals:
  The first phase involved the lining of over 500 km of canals in districts like Patiala, Ludhiana, and Ferozepur, known for their heavy reliance on canal irrigation.
• Modern Materials Used:
  Advanced materials like geo-membranes and cement concrete linings were utilized to minimize seepage and ensure durability.
  (Punjab Irrigation Department)

Benefits to Farmers and Environment

• Water Conservation:
  The project has reduced water seepage by 30%, saving nearly 200 million cubic meters of water annually, critical for drought-prone areas.
• Improved Irrigation:
  With reduced water loss, the project ensures more equitable distribution of water, benefiting over 2 lakh farmersin the region.
• Boost to Crop Yield:
  Efficient irrigation has led to a 10% increase in agricultural productivity, particularly for water-intensive crops like rice and wheat.

Economic Impact

• Job Creation:
  Over 5,000 jobs were generated during the construction phase, supporting local laborers and contractors.
• Cost Efficiency:
  The state has projected savings of ₹100 crore annually due to reduced water wastage and improved agricultural output.

Next Steps

• Expansion Plans:
  The second phase aims to cover an additional 700 km of canals in water-stressed districts like Bathinda and Mansa.
• Digital Monitoring:
  The government plans to deploy IoT-based sensors to monitor canal flow and detect leakage in real-time.

A Step Toward Sustainable Irrigation

The Canal Lining Project reflects Punjab’s commitment to sustainable water management. By conserving water and improving irrigation efficiency, the initiative is set to transform the state’s agricultural landscape.