Punjab launches Rs 1.45 crore irrigation projects in Shutrana

Patiala: Punjab on Thursday launched two irrigation projects worth Rs 1.45 crore in Shutrana constituency aimed at supplying water to tail-end farms and reducing dependence on groundwater.One of the projects, inaugurated in Kallar Bhaini village at a cost of Rs 11.87 lakh, will use solar pumps to lift pond water and supply it to fields through pipelines.The second, for which the foundation stone was laid in Sadharanpur village, will cost Rs 1.33 crore and will carry canal water to agricultural land through a proposed 9-km pipeline network.Officials said the projects are expected to improve irrigation access and help conserve groundwater.The Kallar Bhaini project will cover around 35.37 hectares (100 acres) and benefit 24 farming families, while the Sadharanpur project will irrigate around 204 hectares (about 500 acres) and benefit 41 families.Punjab water resources minister Barinder Goyal, who inaugurated the projects in the presence of MLA Kulwant Singh Bazigar, said the state was focusing on strengthening canal irrigation and expanding surface-water use in agriculture.He said Punjab had spent Rs 6,700 crore on strengthening the canal network.