The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, has emphasised strengthening canal management as part of its efforts to conserve groundwater and improve water availability for agriculture.
Bhagwant Mann Government Focuses on Canal Management
Cabinet Minister Brinder Kumar Goyal said during a press conference that government measures have helped ensure the availability of canal water even in tail-end areas. According to him, the state has also recorded continued improvement in groundwater levels as a result of these efforts.
Canal Management to Improve Groundwater Levels
The government has been focusing on improving the distribution and management of canal water so that water reaches areas located at the tail ends of canal networks. Ensuring adequate canal water supply can help reduce dependence on groundwater for irrigation.
Punjab has historically faced concerns over declining groundwater resources, particularly because of heavy dependence on groundwater for agricultural activities. Against this backdrop, strengthening surface-water irrigation systems has emerged as an important component of water conservation efforts.
The Punjab government said that improved canal water availability is helping extend irrigation access to areas that previously faced difficulties in receiving water at the tail ends of canal systems.
Minister Brinder Kumar Goyal highlighted the improvement in groundwater levels while outlining the impact of the state’s initiatives. The government has linked the strengthening of canal management with its broader objective of conserving the state’s underground water resources.
Better utilisation of canal networks can also support more balanced water management by increasing the availability of surface water for agricultural needs. This can potentially ease pressure on groundwater reserves in regions where groundwater extraction has remained high.
