Improved water availability and expanded canal irrigation infrastructure have emerged as significant factors contributing to the popularity of the Punjab government among farmers, according to claims made by Aam Aadmi Party leader Anurag Dhanda.
Anurag Dhanda: Improved Canal Irrigation Cited as Key Factor Behind Punjab Government’s Popularity Among Farmers
Sharing details of the state’s irrigation initiatives, supporters of the government highlighted large-scale efforts undertaken to strengthen Punjab’s canal network and improve water distribution to agricultural areas. According to figures shared publicly, more than 15,500 kilometres of canals have been cleaned, while over 18,000 watercourses have been restored across the state.
Officials and party representatives stated that canal water has reached 1,365 locations for the first time as a result of these initiatives. They also claimed that the area receiving canal irrigation has increased substantially, rising from approximately 22.3 lakh acres to 47.8 lakh acres.
The expansion of canal-based irrigation is being presented as a major step toward improving water security for farmers and reducing dependence on groundwater extraction. Agricultural experts have long expressed concerns over declining groundwater levels in several regions of Punjab, making surface water utilization an important component of sustainable farming practices.
Government supporters argue that improved irrigation access has helped farmers secure more reliable water supplies for cultivation while lowering dependence on tube wells and associated energy costs. They also maintain that investments in canal infrastructure are contributing to long-term agricultural sustainability and rural development.
The Punjab government has continued to focus on irrigation reforms, canal restoration, and water management initiatives as part of its broader efforts to strengthen the agricultural sector and support farming communities across the state.
