MAKHU, 25 February 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Wednesday inaugurated the first phase of the reconstruction and relining of the Ferozepur Feeder Canal, describing it as a major structural reform aimed at strengthening irrigation infrastructure and securing Punjab’s long-term water future.
Calling the canal the lifeline of the Malwa region, the Chief Minister said the upgraded canal will significantly benefit farmers in Ferozepur, Faridkot, Sri Muktsar Sahib and Fazilka districts by improving irrigation delivery and ensuring water reaches tail-end villages.
₹180 Crore Upgrade Increases Canal Capacity
The first phase of the project, completed at a cost of ₹180 crore, has increased the canal’s carrying capacity from 11,192 cusecs to 13,873 cusecs, marking an increase of 2,681 cusecs.
- Canal depth increased from 18 feet to 21 feet
- Canal width expanded from 163 feet to 180 feet
- 15 km relining completed within 35 days
- 126 government employees and around 4,000 workers deployed
The Chief Minister termed the pace of execution as a “war-mode” effort and said such structural upgrades were pending for decades.
Major Expansion in Irrigation Coverage
According to the Chief Minister, when the current government assumed office, canal water reached only 21% of Punjab’s agricultural land. He stated that irrigation coverage has now increased to 68% and is targeted to reach 85% by the upcoming paddy season.
He informed that:
- 6,900 km of water channels have been revived
- 18,349 water courses restored
- 1,365 villages have received canal water for the first time
- The project will provide irrigation to 6,45,200 hectares of farmland
Boost for Border and Tail-End Areas
The Ferozepur Feeder originates from Harike Headworks and serves 14 blocks including Gidderbaha, Makhu, Mamdot, Balluana, Jalalabad, Guru Har Sahai, Arniwala, Khuiyan Sarwar, Lambi, Malout, Fazilka, Muktsar and Ferozepur.
The Chief Minister said the relining will ensure improved water supply to border villages adjoining the international boundary, especially in Fazilka and Jalalabad.
He added that earlier structural deterioration caused shortages of nearly 1,000 cusecs during the Kharif season, forcing rotational supply of water.
₹6,500 Crore Canal Rejuvenation Plan
The Chief Minister stated that the government has spent around ₹6,500 crore to rejuvenate Punjab’s canal network. He noted that the Sirhind Feeder, part of the same irrigation system, was relined earlier and that the current upgrade will further stabilize water flow.
The canal was originally constructed in 1952 and had not undergone capacity enhancement for decades.
Stand on Water Sharing
Reiterating his position, the Chief Minister said Punjab has no surplus water to share with other states. He referred to the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) issue and stated that Punjab’s water interests remain paramount.
He also observed that Punjab shares a substantial portion of its river waters with other states while bearing flood-related damages annually.
Border Fence Shift for Farmers
The Chief Minister informed that the Central Government has given in-principle approval to shift sections of the border fencing closer to the International Border, which could allow cultivation of farmland currently lying beyond the fencing.
He said farmers along the 532 km India-Pakistan border have long faced access restrictions and operational challenges.
Governance Highlights Announced
During his address, the Chief Minister highlighted several governance initiatives:
- More than 90% households receiving free power
- Daytime electricity supply for farmers
- 881 Aam Aadmi Clinics operational
- Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna offering cashless treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family
- Over 63,000 government jobs provided
He also referred to the state’s anti-drug campaign “Yudh Nashean Virudh”, stating that enforcement actions have intensified against narcotics networks.
Political Remarks During Address
The Chief Minister also made remarks regarding previous governments’ handling of water management, drug-related issues and governance priorities. Opposition parties have previously rejected similar allegations.
Cabinet Ministers Barinder Goyal, Dr Baljeet Kaur and Gurmeet Singh Khudian were also present at the inauguration ceremony.
