Punjab launches Rs 1.10 crore Lift Irrigation Project in Samrala, bringing canal water to 767 acres
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), July 21, 2026: Punjab Water Resources, Mining and Geology Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Tuesday inaugurated a Rs 1.10-crore Lift Irrigation Scheme in Poonia village of the Samrala constituency, aimed at expanding canal irrigation and reducing farmers' dependence on groundwater.
Speaking at the inauguration, Goyal said the project includes an 8-km underground pipeline that will supply canal water to 767 acres of farmland, directly benefiting around 120 farmers and significantly reducing irrigation costs.
The minister said Poonia village had remained deprived of canal water for decades despite the construction of the Sirhind Canal in 1985, resulting in declining groundwater levels. He said the Bhagwant Mann-led government has been working to ensure canal water reaches every farm in Punjab, making agriculture more sustainable.
Goyal said seven lift irrigation schemes on the Sirhind Canal have now brought canal water to 2,124 acres for the first time. He added that Rs 43.50 crore has been invested in canal renovation and underground pipeline projects in the Samrala constituency, ensuring irrigation for 12,630 acres.
Highlighting the government's irrigation initiatives, the minister said nearly Rs 7,200 crore has been spent across Punjab to strengthen the canal network. He noted that canal water utilisation has increased from 26 per cent in 2022 to 86 per cent, with the government aiming to achieve full utilisation.
He also said canal water has reached 1,550 villages across Punjab for the first time since Independence, describing it as a major step towards groundwater conservation, lower electricity consumption and improved soil health.
As part of the event, Goyal also planted saplings to promote environmental conservation.
Samrala MLA Jagtar Singh Diyalpura said the project would strengthen the financial condition of farmers by reducing dependence on diesel-powered irrigation and lowering cultivation costs. He added that regular canal water supply would also improve soil fertility and support sustainable agriculture.
The inauguration was attended by Manoj Kumar Bansal, Managing Director of the Punjab Water Resources Management and Development Corporation, Superintending Engineer Maninder Singh, Executive Engineer Gaurav, officials from various departments, local representatives and a large number of farmers.