Chandigarh, April 29: Farmers across Punjab are set to receive canal water starting May 1st as part of a new government initiative to streamline agricultural preparation for the upcoming paddy season. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann declared that the supply, which usually begins in June, has been advanced by thirty days to provide immediate relief to the farming community.
The Chief Minister asserted that the primary objective behind this move is the preservation of the state’s dwindling ground water reserves. He stated that by providing surface water earlier, the government hopes to discourage the premature use of deep-well pumping. The Water Resources Department noted that the early start will also facilitate a comprehensive testing phase for over 7,000 kilometers of recently constructed canals and pipelines.
The operational shift is also expected to have a positive impact on the energy sector. Officials maintained that increased water flow from the Bhakra Dam starting in May will lead to higher hydroelectricity output. The Chief Minister declared that this integrated approach helps balance the needs of the agricultural department with the state’s energy requirements.
Furthermore, the administration affirmed that early canal access will help lower the demand for agricultural power subsidies. By substituting electrical pumping with gravity-fed canal water, the state expects to manage its power resources more efficiently during the peak summer months. Sources within the government maintained that all technical arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth transition on the first of the month.
