Milkfed further strengthens due to strenuous efforts of CM

Milkfed registers increase of 9.5% by purchasing more than 20 lakh litres milk daily

Verka brand continues to rule the roost sells 12.66 lakh packets of milk

Chandigarh, December 28:Under the visionary leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann leading cooperative of the state-Milkfed further got strengthened during the year 2024.

The massive efforts of state government to give remunerative price to milk producers, expansion of Verka mill plants and launch of new products strengthened the Milkfed. The Chief Minister, who is holds the portfolio of Cooperation, has sanctioned big ticket projects to Milkfed to supplement the income of farmers through milk production on one hand and to make dairy farming a profitable venture on the other. For bailing out the milk producers the state government has enhanced fat per kilogram in milk to Rs 25 during April 1 to October 31.

At present the milk was being purchased at Rs 840 per kg fat and at present there were 6000 cooperative societies in state which have five lakh milk producers registered with them. The Chief Minister has also dedicated an ultra odern Verka Dairy milk plant at Ludhiana with capacity to process nine lakh litre milk daily. This plant also has capacity of catering 10 metric ton butter.

Likewise the Chief Minister has also dedicated upgraded Ferozepur milk plant to the masses with the capacity of processing and packaging one lakh litre milk daily. Bhagwant Singh Mann has also taken an important initiative to expand units involved in milk processing. The Chief Minister has also dedicated ultra odern project at Jalandhar for processing and packaging of fermented products.

The Chief Minister has made every effort to supplement the income of farmers by augmenting the infrastructure for sale and supply of milk. Milkfed had registered an increase of 9.5% by purchasing more than 20 lakh litres milk daily. In this year only Milkfed also started the sale of sugar free kheer, milk cake and other products on demand of people. Despite of strict competition the Milkfed sold 12.66 lakh litre packets of milk which was 5% more than last year when 12.01 lakh litre of milk was sold.

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Bhagwant Mann government provided Loan Relief worth Rs 368 Crore to Defaulters of Cooperative Banks Under the OTS Scheme

₹160 Crore Allocated for Upgrading Cooperative Banks

Project Launched by Markfed to Construct New Warehouses with a Capacity of 44,910 Metric Tons to Address Storage Issues

Special Initiative by Markfed to Promote Punjab’s Cultural Symbol, ‘Phulkari,’ Through Financial Assistance and Training for Artisans

Chandigarh, December 29:Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has taken significant steps in 2024 to strengthen the cooperative sector. These initiatives include providing loan relief to defaulter borrowers, upgrading cooperative banks, addressing storage issues through new warehouse construction, and supporting Punjab’s cultural heritage.

A spokesperson for the Chief Minister’s Office stated that the Chief Minister, who also looking after the Cooperation Department, introduced a One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for defaulter borrowers of cooperative banks in 2023. Under this scheme, loan relief of ₹368 crore has been provided to 8,453 defaulters during the financial year 2024-25, with a resolution of loans amounting to ₹150 crore. The scheme will remain operational until February 28, 2025. Punjab has a vast network of 20 Central Cooperative Banks with 803 branches linked to 3,523 Primary Agriculture Societies, supporting over 10.45 lakh farmers. To enhance services, Punjab State Cooperative Bank and Central Cooperative Banks are being upgraded at a cost of ₹160 crore, with the project expected to be completed by June 30, 2025.

The spokesperson further stated that to address storage issues, Markfed has initiated a project to construct new warehouses with a combined capacity of 44,910 metric tons. In 2024, construction of warehouses with a capacity of 25,810 metric tons at three locations has already begun, scheduled for completion by November 30, 2025. An additional 19,100 metric tons of warehouse capacity will soon be constructed. Notably, in the first phase, 79,000 metric tons of the targeted 1.24 lakh metric tons capacity warehouses have already been built, with the remaining 44,910 metric tons of work initiated this year.

To promote Punjab’s cultural symbol, ‘Phulkari,’ Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has directed Markfed to take special measures to extend its reach both domestically and internationally. Collaborating with the National Institute of Fashion Designing (NIFD), New Delhi, Markfed is providing financial assistance and specialized training to artisans. This initiative aims to revive and celebrate the uniqueness of the traditional Phulkari craft, enhance artisans incomes, and ensure customers receive high-quality products at reasonable prices.

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YEAR ENDER 2024: CM BHAGWANT MANN LED PUNJAB GOVT ENSURING LAST MILE DELIVERY IN HEALTHCARE

ATTACK ON POLICE ESTABLISHMENTS IN GURDASPUR AND BATALA: PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS MASTERMIND AMONG FIVE MEMBERS OF PAK-BACKED BKI TERROR MODULE

POLICE ARRESTS MASTERMIND AMONG FIVE MEMBERS OF PAK-BACKED BKI TERROR MODULE

— POLICE TEAMS RECOVER TWO PISTOLS INCLUDING SOPHISTICATED 9MM GLOCK

— WITH BUST OF THIS MODULE, PUNJAB POLICE SOLVES ALL INCIDENTS OF ATTACK ON POLICE ESTABLISHMENTS, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV

— TWO OF ACCUSED PERSONS TRIED TO EVADE POLICE CUSTODY, HELD AFTER ENCOUNTER: DGP PUNJAB ATTACK ON POLICE ESTABLISHMENTS IN GURDASPUR AND BATALA: PUNJAB POLICE ARRESTS MASTERMIND AMONG FIVE MEMBERS OF PAK-BACKED BKI TERROR MODULE

— POLICE TEAMS RECOVER TWO PISTOLS INCLUDING SOPHISTICATED 9MM GLOCK

— WITH BUST OF THIS MODULE, PUNJAB POLICE SOLVES ALL INCIDENTS OF ATTACK ON POLICE ESTABLISHMENTS, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV

— TWO OF ACCUSED PERSONS TRIED TO EVADE POLICE CUSTODY, HELD AFTER ENCOUNTER: DGP PUNJAB

CHANDIGARH/BATALA, December 29:In a major breakthrough, Punjab Police has busted yet another Pakistan-ISI backed terror-module being operated by Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) being operated by foreign-based Harpreet Singh alias Happy Passia and Shamsher alias Honey with the arrest of its five members including mastermind Abhijot Singh involved in lobbing hand-grenade at two police establishments in Batala and Gurdaspur, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.

“By successfully busting this module, Punjab Police has solved all the incidents of attacks on Police Establishments in the state,” said the DGP.

Other arrested four persons have been identified as Kuljit Singh, Rohit alias Ghessi, Shubham and Gurjinder Singh alias Raja, all residents of Qila Lal Singh in Batala. Police teams have also recovered two pistols including one sophisticated 9MM glock pistol and one .32 bore pistol from their possession.

The development came days after some persons hurled hand grenade at Ghaniae Ke Bangar Police Station in Batala on December 12 at around 10.20pm, followed by attack on the Wadala Bangar Police Post in Gurdaspur on December 20 at around 9.30pm. Following the incidents, terrorist organisation BKI had used social media platform to claim the responsibility for these terror acts using separate social media posts.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that the accused persons Abhijot Singh and Kuljit Singh have sustained bullet injuries, when both were taken for the recovery and they attacked police team to evade custody, in response the police acted in self-defense. Both the accused persons have been admitted to the Civil Hospital in Batala, where they are reported to be in stable condition, he added.

The DGP said that investigations are in progress to establish forward and backward linkages in this case and unveil the entire terror module.

Sharing more details, Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Border Range Satinder Singh said that following the attack at police establishments, Batala Police has launched a special operation to trace the perpetrators.

Following the technical and human-based intels, Police teams under the supervision of SSP Batala Suhail Qasim Mir managed to track down all the accused persons and apprehend them, he added.

SSP Suhail Qasim Mir said that further investigation is on and more arrests and recoveries are likely in coming days.

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PUNJAB POLICE AVERTS POSSIBLE TARGET KILLINGS WITH ARREST OF FIVE MEMBERS OF JAGGU BHAGWANPURIA AND AMRITPAL BATTH GANG

— POLICE TEAMS RECOVER ONE GLOCK PISTOL AMONG FOUR WEAPONS ALONG WITH AMMUNITION AND HYUNDAI CRETA CAR FROM POSSESSION OF ARRESTED PERSONS

— PUNJAB POLICE COMMITTED TO MAKING PUNJAB A SAFE AND SECURE STATE

— SEIZED WEAPONS WERE SUPPLIED BY JAGGU BHAGWANPURIA, SAYS DGP GAURAV YADAV

— ARRESTED ACCUSED WERE IN TOUCH WITH THEIR HANDLERS FOR EXECUTING TARGET KILLINGS: SSP ABHIMANYU RANA

CHANDIGARH/TARN TARAN, December 29:Amidst the ongoing drive to eradicate organised crime from the state, Tarn Taran Police has thwarted possible target killings with the arrest of five members of the notorious Jaggu Bhagwanpuria and Amritpal Batth Gang leading to recovery of significant cache of arms and ammunition from their possession, said Director General of Police (DGP) Punjab Gaurav Yadav here on Sunday.

Those arrested have been identified as Gurmeet Singh alias Rawal of village Bhagwanpur in Batala, Harpal Singh of village Nurpur in Gurdaspur, Lovepreet Singh alias NP of village Nawapind in Amritsar, Shamsher Singh alias Shera Passian and Sandeep Singh alias Goli of Kot Khalsa in Amritsar.

Police teams have recovered four weapons including one sophisticated USA-made 9MM Glock pistol, two .32 bore pistols and one country-made pistol along with 15 live cartridges and three magazines, besides, impounding, their Hyundai Creta car without number used in commission of crime.

DGP Gaurav Yadav said that during questioning arrested accused confessed that the seized weapons were supplied by Jaggu Bhagwanpuria through his associate and they were planning to execute target killings on the instance of Gangster Amritpal Batth. The arrested individuals are linked to multiple criminal cases, including attempted murder, illegal arms possession and gang-related violence, he added.

The DGP said that important information has been revealed about the shooter involved in a recent targeted murder by the gang in the Tarn Taran area. Further investigations are ongoing to trace their backward and forward linkages, he added.

Sharing operation details, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Tarn Taran Abhimanyu Rana, while addressing a press conference, said that following an input about suspects travelling in a Hyundai Creta car, police team led by Incharge CIA staff Tarn Taran Amandeep Singh laid a naka at Jandiala to Tarn Taran road and managed to stop Creta, resulting in the immediate arrest of Gurmeet Singh alias Rawal, Lovepreet Singh alias NP and Harpal Singh. Further, after interrogation of arrested accused two more gang members Shamsher Singh alias Shera Passian and Sandeep Singh alias Goli were also arrested, he added.

The SSP lauded the efforts of the police teams led by SP Investigation Ajayraj Singh and DSP Investigation Rajinder Minhas. “This operation is a significant success in our ongoing efforts to curb gang activity in the region,” he said.

A case FIR no. 232/24 has been regitered under section 111 (3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and 25 and 27 of the Arms Act at Police Station Sadar Tarn Taran.

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Punjab Powers Ahead: 2024 Marks a Year of Unprecedented Growth in the State's Power Sector

From acquisition of Goindwal Thermal Plant to significant savings & infrastructure upgrades, Punjab's Power revolution is in full swing: Harbhajan Singh ETO

Pachhwara Coal Mine Yields Significant Savings: Rs. 593 Crore Saved in FY 2024

Punjab Boosts Power Transmission Capacity: ATC Increased from 9000 MW to 9800 MW

Powering Growth Through People: Department's Human Resource Capacity Strengthened with 1351 New Recruitments

Chandigarh, December 29-The year 2024 began with a historic move by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government to purchase the Goindwal Power Plant from GVK Power at a cost of Rs. 1080 crore. This acquisition marked the first instance of a state government purchasing a private power plant in India. Renamed after Sri Guru Amardas Ji, the thermal plant's load factor was increased from 35 percent to 77 percent during this year, effectively doubling its power generation capacity. This 540 MW thermal plant, acquired at an economical rate of Rs. 2 crore per MW, is projected to save the state over Rs. 350 crore annually.

Revealing this in a press communique issued here, Punjab Power and Public Works Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, while presenting the year-ending report of the Punjab Power Department, highlighted the pivotal role played by the government in revolutionizing the state's power sector. He said that the Pachhwara coal mine, operational since December 2022, has been instrumental in supplying coal to the state’s thermal plants. From April 1, 2024, a total of 50.84 lakh metric tons of coal was delivered through 1277 rakes, at a cost Rs. 11 crore per 1 lakh metric ton cheaper than that of Coal India Limited. This efficient coal procurement resulted in savings of Rs. 593 crore. Since the commencement of operations in 2022 with the concrete efforts of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government, the mine has provided 93.87 lakh metric tons of coal, yielding total savings of Rs. 1000 crore, he added.

“In line with its commitment to sustainable energy, the Punjab Government has made significant investments in clean energy. From April 1 to November 30, 2024, the department signed purchase agreements for 1454 MW of solar power at an average rate of Rs. 2.52 to Rs. 2.53 per unit. Since taking office in March 2022, the government has secured agreements for 3704 MW of solar power, with rates ranging from Rs. 2.33 to Rs. 2.76 per unit”, said Harbhajan Singh ETO while adding, “Additionally, 430 MW of rooftop solar installations have been completed across the state. The government also signed agreements for 900 MW of hybrid power (solar and wind energy) with rates between Rs. 3.22 and Rs. 3.28 per unit”.

Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that, thanks to these initiatives, the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has successfully provided 600 units of free electricity every two months (or 300 units per month) to the state's domestic consumers. He highlighted that 90 percent of domestic consumers in the state have received zero electricity bills.

Revealing the initiatives taken to meet the increasing power demand and improve distribution, the Power Minister said that the transmission capacity from the National Grid was enhanced from 9000 MW to 9800 MW in 2024, a significant increase from 7100 MW in 2022. The state commissioned 5 new 66 KV Sub-stations and expanded the capacity of 14 power transformers, adding 780 MW to the 66 KV Transmission. Along with this, 27 km long 66 KV Transmission lines were connected and the capacity of 28 power transformers of 400KV, 220KV or 132KV was increased or new transformers were installed, which resulted in a total increase of 2591 MVA in this transmission capacity. He said that 131 circuit kilometers of transmission lines were connected to 400KV, 220KV or 132KV sub-stations. He said that a new 400KV sub-station was commissioned in Ropar, and the 132KV sub-station in Gurdaspur was upgraded to 220KV capacity.

“These efforts of the Power Department's efforts bore fruit on June 29, 2024, when it met a maximum demand of 16058 MW without imposing power cuts on industrial, residential, or commercial sectors, while ensuring more than 8 hours of uninterrupted power supply to the agricultural sector”, said Harbhajan Singh ETO.

The Power Minister expressed pride in the department's achievements, highlighting the recruitment of 1351 youth in PSPCL and PSTCL since April 2024. “An additional 1288 posts are being filled, with the recruitment process expected to conclude by March 2025”, said Harbhajan Singh ETO while adding that the Power Department has so for done recruitments for a total of 6498 posts in PSPCL and PSTCL since March 2022 to strengthen the man power of the Power Department to better utilize its developing infrastructure.

Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO said that Rs. 9,563 crore has been sanctioned under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for further improving the power distribution structure, out of which 60 percent grant will be received from the Government of India. He expressed confidence that the Power Department will continue to set new benchmarks in 2025, ensuring better and uninterrupted power supply to the people of Punjab.

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Punjab Horticulture Sector Achieves New Heights in 2024

Punjab Achieves Top Rank in Agricultural Infrastructure with 19,408 Projects and ₹4,478 Crore Sanctioned under AIF

Cocoon Prices Surge from ₹550 to ₹1,250 Per Kilogram, Enhancing Farmers' Earnings, Especially for Women

State Government's Focus on Crop Diversification Expands Horticulture Area from 4,39,210 to 4,81,616 Hectares

Chandigarh, December 29-The Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is actively working to expand the horticulture sector in the state and strengthen farmers economically. Under the guidance of Horticulture Minister Shri Mohinder Bhagat, the horticulture department remained committed to providing comprehensive support to farmers in adopting crop diversification and took various initiatives in 2024.

The Minister Bhagat highlighted significant achievements, underscoring the government’s dedication to rural empowerment and agricultural innovation. He informed that Punjab has achieved the top position in the country under the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) with 19,408 projects and ₹4,478 crore in term loans sanctioned, showcasing its dedication to agricultural development.

Mr.Bhagat shared that, with a strong emphasis on crop diversification, Punjab has expanded its horticulture area from 4,39,210 to 4,81,616 hectares.

Another key achievement added by the Minister was Punjab's recognition at the Skoch National Awards 2024, where the state won the Silver Award for its sericulture project, Women Empowerment and Socio-Economic Growth through Sericulture.

He informed that Punjab has achieved a significant milestone by exporting litchi from the sub-mountainous districts of Pathankot, Gurdaspur and Hoshiarpur to England (UK). This remarkable achievement, facilitated by the Horticulture Department in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), underscores the state's efforts to promote its horticultural produce on the global stage. With litchi cultivation spanning 3,250 hectares and producing approximately 13,000 metric tons annually, this step is set to boost farmers' incomes and open new avenues for future exports.

Mr. Bhagat added that three new horticultural estates have been established in Punjab to help farmers and improve agriculture. These new estates include a pear estate in Amritsar, a guava estate in Patiala, and a litchi estate in Pathankot.

The Minister stated that under the National Horticulture Mission, farmers are being provided financial assistance for various activities, including planting new orchards, cultivating vegetables and flowers, mushroom farming, beekeeping, adopting safe farming practices, and implementing post-harvest management

He also informed that several Centres of Excellence have been established to promote vegetable and fruit farming across various districts. These include the Centre of Excellence for Vegetables in Kartarpur, Jalandhar, the Hi-Tech Vegetable Seed Centre in Bir Charik, Moga, the Centre of Excellence for Fruits (Nimbu) in Khanaura, Hoshiarpur, the Centre of Excellence for Potato in Dhogri, Jalandhar and the Centre of Excellence for Onion at Kheri village in Sangrur district have been established.

The Minister shared remarkable progress in sericulture, revealing that the price of cocoons has risen from ₹550 to ₹1,250 per kilogram. This increase ensures better earnings for farmers, especially women, who constitute over 60% of the workforce in this sector.

Regarding infrastructure development, Minister Bhagat stated that annual cocoon production has reached 29,000 kilograms. He added that government has reactivated the Silk Seed Production Centre in Dalhousie to provide high-quality silk seeds at nominal prices to farmers, fostering self-reliance and growth.

Mr.Bhagat also highlighted the inaugural Silk Mark Expo 2024 in Chandigarh, which showcased exceptional silk craftsmanship and bolstered the silk trade. “Events like these not only promote regional artisans and traders but also underscore Punjab’s pivotal role in uplifting rural communities through sericulture and horticulture,” he remarked.

Looking to the future, Minister Bhagat outlined plans to establish an exclusive Punjab Silk brand and set up silk reeling units to enhance value addition and increase farmer incomes. “Our government remains steadfast in its mission to expand silk farming,empower rural communities, and elevate Punjab’s horticulture and sericulture sectors to new heights,” he concluded.

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Local bodies minister Dr Ravjot Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Sant Seechewal visit 'Buddha Dariya' site and 225 mld STP; PEDA directed to speed up projects to establish biogas plants for proper disposal of cow dung

MC directed to hire private players for lifting cow dung from dairy complexes till biogas plants are made functional

Directions have also been issued to keep a regular check on working of dyeing industry CETPs and STPs

Sewerage board officials directed to make temporary arrangements for pumping sewerage waste from Gaushala point until IPS is established at the site

Ludhiana/Chandigarh, December 29:Reiterating the commitment of Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Bhagwant Singh Mann led state government to clean 'Buddha Dariya', Local bodies minister Dr Ravjot Singh and Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal visited 'Buddha Dariya' site and 225 mld Jamalpur sewerage treatment plant (STP) on Tajpur road on Sunday.

Ludhiana East MLA Daljit Singh Bhola Grewal, Ludhiana North MLA Madan Lal Bagga, Ludhiana West MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi, Ludhiana Central MLA Ashok Prashar Pappi;

Additional Chief Secretary, Local bodies department, Tejveer Singh; Director, Local bodies department Gurpreet Singh Khaira; MC Commissioner Aaditya Dachalwal, Chief Engineer Ravinder Garg, Ludhiana Chief Engineer of PPCB RK Rattra, Engineer in Chief of Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board (PWSSB) Mukesh Garg among other officials were present during the visit.

For dealing with the problem of cow dung being dumped in 'Buddha Dariya', Local bodies minister Dr Ravjot Singh and MP Seechewal directed the PEDA officials to speed up the projects for establishing biogas plants in Haibowal and Tajpur road dairy complexes for proper disposal of cow dung. One biogas plant is already operational in Haibowal dairy plant and one additional plant has to be established in Haibowal dairy complex wherein cow dung would be used for generating biogas.

Further the civic body officials have been directed to hire private players for lifting cow dung from dairy complexes and dump the same at designated points until biogas plants are made functional by PEDA. Civic body officials stated that machinery and man power has already been deployed for lifting cow dung from dairy units and dumping the same at two designated points. Tenders would now be floated for hiring contractors for the same.

Further cabinet minister Dr Ravjot Singh and MP Seechewal directed the Punjab Pollution Control (PPCB) officials to keep a regular check on working of dyeing industry CETPs and STPs. The PPCB officials have also been directed to take steps and ensure that the waste of electroplating industry is not dumped in sewer lines.

\Further the sewerage board officials and contractor working on 'Buddha Dariya' project have been directed to make temporary arrangements for pumping sewerage waste from Gaushala point to STP Jamalpur until Intermediate pumping station (IPS) is established at the Gaushala site. The project to establish Gaushala IPS is pending due to an ongoing court case. The contractor has also been directed to properly tap the connections of dairy units in both dairy complexes to ensure that dairy waste does not get into the 'Buddha Dariya'.

Cabinet Minister Dr Ravjot Singh and MP Sant Seechewal said that they are not against the industry or any other sector, but no one can be allowed to pollute 'Buddha Dariya'. The state government is monitoring the project to clean the 'Buddha Dariya' on a regular basis. People should also support the government and stop dumping waste in the 'Buddha Dariya'.

MP Seechewal said that they have already initiated the second phase of 'Kar Sewa' for rejuvenating 'Buddha Dariya' and illegal sewer connections of a few dairy units have also been snapped in the recent past.

MP Seechewal has pitched a tent at 'Buddha Dariya' site for the 'Kar Sewa'. MP Seechewal appealed the public to step forward and become a part of this movement which has been initiated for cleaning Buddha Dariya, which also has historic and religious importance.

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Punjab water resources department achieves major milestones in water infrastructure

Executed projects worth Rs.2100 crores up till 2024, focusing on canal lining, repairs and water course rehabilitation

Initiated Malwa Canal project worth Rs.2300 crores to irrigate two lakh acres across five districts

Revitalized 15947 water courses, bringing irrigation water to over 950 villages for the first time

Completed 89.61 kilometers of Sirhind Feeder relining at Rs.543.43 crores, addressing chronic waterlogging issues

Revived 30 groundwater recharge structures with 129 more nearing completion

Removed 25-year restriction on water course repairs, rehabilitating 909 water courses spanning 700 kilometers

Implemented Punjab Canal and Regulation Information System for real-time monitoring

Chandigarh, December 29:Punjab Water Resources Department has achieved unprecedented milestones in strengthening state's water infrastructure and ensuring equitable water distribution to the farmers of the state.

Disclosing this here, Water Resources Minister Sh. Barinder Kumar Goyal said that In a landmark achievement, department has successfully executed development projects worth over Rs.2100 crores up till the last of the 2024, which included comprehensive canal lining, repairs and water course rehabilitation. This extensive work has significantly improved water availability to the tail-end farmers, fulfilling the commitment to equitable water distribution, he added.

One of the most significant accomplishments of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann led government has been addressing the chronic issue of water logging through the relining of Sirhind Feeder. Out of total project cost of Rs.671.478 crores, the department has completed approximately 89.61 kilometers of relining works, amounting to Rs.543.43 crores. This intervention has been crucial in mitigating waterlogging issues that have long plagued agricultural lands, said the Cabinet Minister.

He said that statewide water courses restoration drive has also yielded remarkable results. The department has successfully revitalized 15947 water courses that had been non-functional for two to three decades. This initiative has brought canal water for irrigation to more than 950 villages for the first time in their history.

"In a progressive policy shift, we removed the 25-year restriction on water course repairs, enabling our field officers to undertake immediate restoration works, said the Water Resources Minister, adding that through effective convergence of MGNREGA and state funds, the state has rehabilitated over 909 water courses, spanning more than 700 kilometers in just two years.

Sh. Goyal said that historic transformative initiative of construction of Malwa Canal project will revolutionize irrigation in the Malwa region. This 150-kilometer canal, with an investment of Rs.2300 crores, will irrigate approximately two lakh acres across five districts - Bathinda, Faridkot, Fazilka, Ferozepur and Sri Muktsar Sahib. Besides this, three new canals are under construction in Pathankot district, bringing surface water to this region for the first time.

Mann government's commitment to groundwater conservation has led to the revival of 30 defunct groundwater recharge structures, with 129 more sites nearing completion. The department has completed boring at 128 water recharge sites and 60 new sites have been identified for future development.

He said that in the direction of digital transformation, the state has launched E-Sinchai, a comprehensive mobile application for farmer services, including Warabandi and Chakbandi. The Punjab Canal and Regulation Information System, another digital initiative, provides real-time monitoring of canal discharges and brings unprecedented transparency to water distribution.

To streamline administrative processes, the Cabinet Minister said, we have developed an online portal for NOC services related to lands near water bodies, significantly reducing processing times. Through process re-engineering and digitization, the department has achieved a remarkable 60-70% reduction in application processing time.