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Punjab to Release Canal Water for Paddy from May 1, CM Announces

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced canal water for paddy from May 1, releasing 21,000 cusecs across the state. The move is backed by a Rs 6,700 crore investment in irrigation infrastructure, including a 14,000-km pipeline network and 7,000 new watercourses. The government also ensures an eight-hour power supply schedule across four zones to streamline sowing. The initiative aims to reduce groundwater dependency and has already led to a rise in water levels by two to four metres.

Key Points: Punjab Canal Water for Paddy from May 1: CM Mann

  • Canal water for paddy from May 1 with 21,000 cusecs
  • Rs 6,700 crore investment in irrigation infrastructure
  • 8-hour power supply across four zones
  • Groundwater levels rise by 2-4 metres
2 min read

Canal water for paddy growers to be available in Punjab from May 1

Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann announces canal water for paddy from May 1, with 21,000 cusecs released, backed by Rs 6,700 crore irrigation investment.

"This decision is aimed at securing the future of coming generations, because Punjab stands for water, and without water, the state has no existence. - CM Bhagwant Singh Mann"

Chandigarh, April 29

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday announced a major relief for farmers ahead of the paddy season, declaring that canal water for irrigation will be made available from May 1, with 21,000 cusecs of water to be released across the state.

Backed by a Rs 6,700 crore investment in irrigation infrastructure, a 14,000-km pipeline network, and the activation of 7,000 newly constructed watercourses and channels, the government has paired this push with an eight-hour power supply schedule across four zones to streamline sowing. The move not only ensures assured irrigation for paddy but also secures water availability for cotton, horticulture, maize and fodder in the Malwa region, while delivering tangible gains in groundwater recharge, with levels rising by two to four metres.

Taking to X, CM Mann said, "During a press conference held in Chandigarh today, important information was shared regarding Punjab's water resources, agriculture, and the bright future of its youth. Our primary objective is to reduce the use of groundwater and ensure that canal water reaches every field."

Highlighting the shift towards sustainable irrigation, Mann said, "We have ensured that dependency on canal water increases so that pressure on tubewells is reduced." He added, "By March, the government has spent Rs 6,700 crore on irrigation works across Punjab."

Emphasising long-term benefits, the Chief Minister said this water will also help recharge groundwater through various recharge schemes, which will benefit future generations." Highlighting groundwater conservation, Mann said recharge points have been created in canals and rivers, resulting in an increase in water levels by two to four metres.

He added, "This decision is aimed at securing the future of coming generations, because Punjab stands for water, and without water, the state has no existence." Sharing further achievements, the Chief Minister said, "It is a matter of pride that due to the efforts of the Punjab government, 21 lakh cubic metres of water have been recharged in the last one year."

Addressing crop planning, he said to avoid complications for farmers in selling paddy due to high moisture content in October, the government has decided to advance the paddy cultivation season from June 1.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone from outside Punjab, I find this interesting—canal water and groundwater recharge are smart. Rs 6,700 crore is a huge investment. But why advance paddy season to June 1? Won't that just increase water demand earlier? I hope the government has a long-term plan for crop diversification beyond paddy.
K
Kavya N
Finally some good news for our farmers! My uncle in Ludhiana has been worried about tubewell costs. If canal water reduces groundwater usage, it's a win-win. But I'm skeptical about the 2-4 metre water level rise claim—let's see independent data. Also, 7,000 new watercourses need proper maintenance, otherwise it's just another announcement.
M
Michael C
Impressive infrastructure push—14,000 km pipeline network and 21 lakh cubic metres recharged in one year. But Punjab's water crisis is deep-rooted. This feels like a Band-Aid on a broken pipe. We need serious policy on crop diversification away from paddy. Otherwise, we're just delaying the inevitable water bankruptcy. Respectfully, Mann ji needs to think beyond subsidies.
R
Raghav A
I'm a farmer in Patiala district. Canal water availability from May 1 is a relief, but we need more clarity on water-sharing between districts. Last year, many of us didn't get water despite announcements. Also, advancing paddy to June 1 may clash with other crops. Still, any step to save groundwater is welcome. Let's hope the 21,000 cusecs actually flow. 👍
C
Christopher I
Reading this from the US—it's

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