NewKerala.com

Key Points

Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann discussed the Ferozepur Feeder Reconstruction Project. This significant initiative promises to enhance irrigation and agricultural productivity in the Ganga Canal region. With a project cost of Rs 647.62 crore, both states have committed funds, and the project awaits final approval from the Centre. Once completed, it will improve water efficiency, benefiting thousands of farmers in northwestern Rajasthan.

Key Points: Rajasthan and Punjab CMs Push Ferozepur Feeder Project Forward

  • Sharma and Mann review Ferozepur Feeder progress
  • Project boosts Ganga Canal benefits for farmers
  • Rs 647.62 crore project, with Punjab and Rajasthan funding
  • Expected to increase feeder capacity and benefit 3.14 lakh hectares
2 min read

Rajasthan, Punjab CMs discuss Ferozepur Feeder Reconstruction project

Rajasthan's Bhajan Lal Sharma and Punjab's Bhagwant Mann discuss crucial Ferozepur Feeder project, enhancing benefits for Ganga Canal farmers.

"The project strengthens the Ganga Canal, a lifeline for Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh. - Bhajan Lal Sharma"

Jaipur, June 25

Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma held a telephonic conversation with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday to review the progress of the Ferozepur Feeder Reconstruction Project.

This long-awaited initiative is expected to begin soon and will significantly benefit farmers in the Ganga Canal region. Chief Minister Sharma described the project as a crucial step toward strengthening the Ganga Canal system, considered the lifeline for the northwestern districts of Sri Ganganagar and Hanumangarh.

The reconstruction project was approved in the 158th meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Central Water Commission, held in New Delhi on April 24, 2025.

The total project cost is Rs 647.62 crore, with Punjab contributing Rs 379.12 crore (58.54 per cent) and Rajasthan Rs 268.50 crore (41.46 per cent).

Sharma informed that the Punjab Water Resources Department has given in-principle consent for Rajasthan's share of Rs 268.50 crore. This proposal is currently under review by Rajasthan's Finance Department.

Once approved, Rajasthan will officially communicate this to Punjab, following which the Punjab Government will send a proposal to the Central government for funding.

The Chief Minister emphasised that after funding is sanctioned by the Centre, coordination with the Punjab Government will be established, and subsequent processes, including tendering, will be initiated.

The state government is committed to beginning the reconstruction this year and completing it within two years. The reconstruction will increase the Ferozepur Feeder's capacity from 11,192 cusecs to 13,842 cusecs. This enhanced capacity will help conserve excess monsoon water that would otherwise flow towards Pakistan, allowing it to be utilised within the Ganga Canal area.

The project will ensure adequate irrigation for 3.14 lakh hectares of agricultural land, boosting crop productivity and reinforcing the region's agriculture-based economy.

During his visit to Sri Ganganagar in April 2025, Sharma was urged by public representatives and farmers to expedite the reconstruction work.

Acting swiftly, he raised the matter with the Union Jal Shakti Minister. The Central Water Commission responded promptly, resulting in the project's approval.

Notably, the Rajasthan government has already allocated Rs 200 crore for the Ferozepur Feeder reconstruction in the 2024-25 state budget, demonstrating its commitment to farmers' welfare.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Finally some good news for our farmers! 👏 The Ferozepur Feeder project has been pending for years. Hope they complete it within the promised timeline. Water conservation is crucial, especially when we can prevent it from flowing to Pakistan. Rajasthan-Punjab cooperation is a positive sign.
P
Priya M.
As someone from Hanumangarh, I've seen how water scarcity affects crops. This project will be a game-changer for our region. But I hope the governments ensure transparency in fund utilization - we've seen too many irrigation projects get delayed due to corruption.
S
Sanjay D.
Good initiative but why does Punjab have to pay more? Rajasthan benefits more from this project. The cost-sharing formula seems unfair to me. Also, what about maintenance costs later?
A
Anjali R.
My father is a farmer in Sri Ganganagar. For generations we've struggled with water issues. This project gives us hope! 🌾 The increased capacity will help store monsoon water that currently goes waste. Kudos to both CMs for prioritizing this.
V
Vikram S.
While the project is welcome, I'm concerned about the environmental impact. Has any ecological assessment been done? We can't ignore sustainability while chasing development. Also, hope they involve local communities in monitoring.
N
Neha P.
It's heartening to see inter-state cooperation on water projects. This is how federalism should work! The economic benefits will be huge - more water means better crops, more jobs, and prosperity for the entire region. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50