The Punjab Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution on Tuesday to protect the state's depleting water levels and environment.
Water Resources Minister Brinder Kumar Goyal, speaking on a resolution introduced by MLA Gurdev Singh Dev Maan, emphasized the government's commitment to conserving groundwater while criticizing the union government's lack of support.
He highlighted that between 2019 and 2022, the previous government allocated ₹2,046 crore for canal infrastructure, whereas the current government has invested over ₹4,557 crore from 2022 to 2025—more than double the previous amount—to restore infrastructure and ensure canal water reaches agricultural land.
"Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had decided immediately upon forming the government to ensure water reaches agricultural land, which we have successfully accomplished," he said.
The minister pointed out that the utilization of dam water has increased from 68% to 84% under the Mann government. The administration has restored 17,072 water courses spanning 6,300 km, which had remained non-functional for decades. Additionally, 79 canals covering 545 km have been rehabilitated, benefiting 41,135 acres of farmland. In Fazilka, 12 canals under the Luther Canal System, inactive for 15 years, have also been revived.
New canals are being constructed in Malerkotla, Pathankot, Amritsar, Malwa, and other regions, while 23 canals in Tarn Taran that had remained unusable for over 30 years have been restored. Expansion work on Rohira, Kanganwal, and Dehlon canals in Malerkotla has been completed, with further canal projects initiated in Gurdaspur, Fazilka, and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts.
"For the first time since independence, the capacity of major canals such as Sirhind Canal and Patiala Feeder has been increased. After addressing design issues, resolving farmers' demands, and gaining the union government's confidence, the long-pending Sirhind Feeder Canal relining project has been completed," he said.
The government has completed 129 canal water recharge sites, with 60 more under development. Additionally, 127 new ponds are being excavated and connected to canals, while 66 existing ponds are being linked for groundwater recharge.
The minister highlighted that compared to the past five years, the state now utilizes 12% more water during the Kharif season. In Ropar and Hoshiarpur, 28 new lift schemes have been identified to provide water to Punjab’s border areas, with 15 already operational.
Criticizing the union government, he stated, "While the union government consistently produces reports about declining water levels in Punjab, it has never fulfilled its responsibility to help conserve the state's water resources."
He further stressed that Punjab requires ₹17,000 crore for water-course work and infrastructure improvements, which could help save 20% of the state's water. While many canals have been restored, significant financial investment is still needed.
"For a state that has lost its water for the nation, the union government is not taking any concrete steps to address its water challenges," he said, urging support from the union government to help Punjab properly manage its water resources. He also encouraged legislators to initiate water conservation efforts at an individual level.
Several Cabinet Ministers and MLAs, including Aman Arora, Lal Chand Kataruchak, Laljit Singh Bhullar, Inderbir Singh Nijjar, and Narinder Kaur Bharaj, among others, also shared their views on the resolution.