Officials address Centre’s queries on canal overhaul

LUDHIANA: The proposal of overhauling the Sidhwan canal is likely to be implemented soon. Proposal for the Rs 75 crore project was mooted last year and sent to the Central government. But it was delayed following a few queries raised by Central government authorities. Now that chief minister Parkash Singh Badal has recommended early clearance of the inquiries marked for the project, it may see the light of day soon.Officials concerned cleared the queries in a meeting that was held in Chandigarh last week and submitted the tentative report and inputs.
Rajiv Goyal, executive engineer, irrigation department and nodal officer of the project said he has received inputs from officials concerned. "We will compile the report and send it to the Centre for approval on Wednesday, so that it is taken up soon," he said.
A new lining for the canal would also benefit de-silting. Metalled boundaries of the canal will help the department remove impurities from the canal bed easily. Also, the project will minimize water loss as unconstructed boundaries absorb water better. "We hope the project is approved soon now that we have sent a report on queries", said Goyal.