Chandigarh: In a historic initiative, the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has launched the construction of the Malwa Canal, marking the state’s first new canal project since India’s independence. This ambitious 150-kilometre-long canal is poised to be a transformative development for Punjab’s agriculture sector, especially in the water-stressed Malwa region.

With a budget of over ₹2,300 crore, the canal will significantly enhance irrigation infrastructure and provide much-needed relief to farmers in seven key districts — Barnala, Sangrur, Mansa, Ferozepur, Faridkot, Muktsar, Bathinda, and nearby rural areas. Once completed, the canal will irrigate over 2 lakh acres across 950 villages, helping reduce pressure on underground water sources and supporting sustainable farming practices.

Key Highlights of the Malwa Canal Project:

• Length & Structure: The canal will span approximately 150 km, measuring 50 feet in width and 12.6 feet in depth.

• Water Capacity: Designed to carry 2,000 cusecs of water, it will support widespread irrigation needs.

• Route: It will begin at Harike Headworks on the Sutlej River in Ferozepur and end at Warring Khera in Muktsar.

• Reach: Expected to benefit farmers across 950 villages in Ferozepur, Faridkot, Muktsar, Bathinda, and Fazilka districts.

• Infrastructure: The project includes 500 moghas (water outlets) for effective water distribution.

Environmental and Agricultural Impact:

While around 1.30 lakh trees may be felled for the project, the government has assured that environmental safeguards and compensatory afforestation will be implemented. The canal is seen as a lifeline for the state’s agrarian economy, especially as groundwater levels continue to drop.

Currently, many farmers rely on electric lift pumps to draw water from the Sirhind Feeder Canal, incurring high operational costs. The gravity-fed Malwa Canal will help cut down these expenses, ensuring a more reliable and cost-efficient irrigation system.

Complementary Projects:

In addition to the Malwa Canal, the Punjab government is also planning the Dasmesh Canal, aimed at solving irrigation challenges in Rupnagar, Patiala, and Mohali districts. These strategic investments reflect the state’s broader mission to modernize agricultural infrastructure, preserve groundwater, and empower farming communities.

Farmers across the Malwa belt have welcomed the move with optimism, expressing hope that the canal’s timely completion will bring lasting prosperity and stability to their livelihoods.