Punjab cabinet minister Aman Arora lays foundation for canal water project in Sunam

Sangrur: Punjab cabinet minister Aman Arora laid the foundation stone for an irrigation project involving the installation of a new water outlet (mogha) and the laying of a pipeline from the Ghaggar Branch Canal in Akbarpur village of the Sunam constituency. The project was undertaken at a cost of Rs 2.25 crore.On completion, the project will provide canal water to 789 acres of cultivable land in Akbarpur village for the first time since Independence, and will directly benefit nearly 250 families. Addressing the gathering, minister Arora said the Punjab govt was committed to conserving the state's water resources and providing farmers with the irrigation facilities they required. He said previous govts merely played politics over water-related issues and failed to safeguard Punjab's rightful share of water. "In contrast, under the leadership of chief minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab govt was taking concrete steps not only to protect the state's water rights but also to strengthen canal infrastructure across the state," he said. Arora said it was surprising that despite Akbarpur village being located in close proximity to the Ghaggar Branch Canal, local farmers never received canal water. He said villagers brought this long-pending issue to his attention, following which the project was approved and work commenced. Arora said the project will reduce irrigation costs for farmers, decrease dependence on groundwater, and provide a significant boost to agriculture. He said the Punjab govt's initiatives to promote the use of canal water were already yielding positive results in improving the state's groundwater situation. Responding to a media query regarding the ongoing strike by Sewa Kendra employees, Arora said the Punjab govt entrusted the operation of Sewa Kendras to the concerned company through a completely transparent and rule-based tendering process. He said responsibility for the operation of the centres and matters relating to employees rested with the company concerned. He added that although the govt did not have a direct role in the matter, it will not tolerate any situation in which citizens faced difficulties in accessing govt services. MSID:: 131508030 413 |