Bhagwant Mann: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced a ₹47 crore water project in Dhuri, highlighting the state government’s focus on expanding canal-based irrigation and reducing dependence on groundwater. Speaking about the project, Mann said canal water use in Punjab has increased from 22% to 88% under the state’s recent water-management efforts
Canal water use becomes a key focus
Mann’s remarks put greater emphasis on shifting farmers towards canal irrigation. Increasing the availability and use of canal water can help reduce reliance on groundwater extraction, particularly in areas where agricultural demand remains high. The reported rise from 22% to 88% also highlights the scale of the government’s claimed change in canal-water utilization. However, the figures relate to the government’s assessment and should be read in the context of its wider water-management program.
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Why the Dhuri project matters?
The ₹47 crore investment is significant at the local level because improved water infrastructure can support more reliable irrigation and potentially reduce pressure on groundwater sources.For Punjab’s farming economy, better management of available surface water is closely linked to long-term agricultural sustainability. The Dhuri announcement therefore forms part of a wider debate around irrigation infrastructure, groundwater conservation and the state’s approach to managing its water resources.
Punjab’s shift towards surface water
Bhagwant Mann: Mann said the increase in canal water use is part of efforts to improve water management across Punjab. Greater use of canal irrigation could help ease pressure on groundwater, which remains an important concern for the state’s agriculture sector.
