Hoshiarpur, Aug 1 — Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has formally submitted the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) Report for the proposed Arniala Dam in Hoshiarpur district to the Punjab Government, marking a key step in advancing the ₹91.47-crore irrigation project.
GNDU Vice-Chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh handed over the report to Executive Engineer Vikas Soman and SDO Rupinder Pal Singh from the Water Resources Department. “The SIA report doesn’t just quantify impacts, but also explores the deeper social dimensions vital for sustainable development in the 21st century,” said Prof Singh.
The study was conducted under the leadership of Prof Rajesh Kumar, Principal Project Coordinator, with a six-member team of subject experts. It was undertaken under Section 4.1 of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (RFCTLARR Act, 2013).
According to department officials, the proposed Arniala Dam will benefit four villages — Arniala Shahpur, Baroti, Bassi Maroof Siala, and Bassi Maroof Hussainpur — by ensuring a free-flowing supply of irrigation water, reducing dependence on electric water pumps, and helping preserve underground water reserves.
The SIA study revealed that 96.2% of residents surveyed viewed the project as beneficial to the Doaba region, citing improved irrigation, increased food grain yield, and overall socio-economic uplift. The report confirmed that the “Public Purpose” clause under the RFCTLARR Act stands validated following gram sabha meetings held in Arniala Shahpur and Baroti on June 10.
“The project is expected to positively impact both rural and urban infrastructure and reduce the depletion of underground water,” the report noted. It also emphasized the dam’s role in enhancing food security and agricultural sustainability in the region.
The report will now be reviewed by the Higher Power Committee constituted by the Punjab Government for further evaluation and clearance.
Prof Rajesh Kumar acknowledged the key contributions of faculty members Prof Manpreet Singh Bhatti, Dr Bimaldeep Singh, Dr Neena Rosy Kahlon, Dr Swati Mehta, Sharanpreet Kaur, and the field research and data analysis teams.
