Rs 11-crore Canal Relining project to benefit 8,000 acres in Muktsar district: Baljit Kaur
Babushahi Network
Chandigarh, October 18, 2026: An ₹11-crore project to upgrade the New Chauntra Minor canal in Sri Muktsar Sahib district is set to begin shortly, Punjab Cabinet Minister and Malout MLA Dr Baljit Kaur announced on Sunday.
The project aims to improve irrigation facilities across around 8,000 acres of agricultural land covering 10 villages by reducing water seepage and improving the distribution of canal water to fields.
Dr Baljit Kaur said the project had been taken up following her sustained efforts and would address a long-standing demand of farmers dependent on the canal for irrigation.
She thanked Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal for approving the initiative.
54,000-foot canal stretch to be upgraded
According to the minister, the project involves replacing the existing brick lining of a 54,000-foot stretch of the New Chauntra Minor with concrete lining.
The upgrade is expected to reduce seepage losses, improve water conveyance and ensure more efficient and equitable distribution of irrigation water to agricultural fields.
The villages expected to benefit are Saddarwala, Maur, Badhai, Chak Badhai, Balamgarh, Ramgarh Chunga, Janisar, Bhagsar, Chak Madrassa and Mahabhadar.
Dr Baljit Kaur said improved irrigation infrastructure would help ensure timely water availability for farmers, reduce wastage and support agricultural productivity.
Minister meets residents in Balamgarh
The announcement came as Dr Baljit Kaur visited Gurdwara Sahib in Balamgarh to pay obeisance following the bhog ceremony of Sri Akhand Path Sahib. Residents welcomed her and expressed gratitude to the state government for taking up the canal relining project.
The minister said the Punjab government was working to strengthen agricultural infrastructure and improve the use of water resources. She added that the government would continue to focus on rural development and initiatives aimed at improving the livelihoods of farming families.
The project is expected to strengthen irrigation facilities across the 10 villages once the work is completed.