DRAINS for Kotla, Sidhwan and Eastern Canal Branch be excavated soon: Sekhon

Chandigarh, July 7, 2013: The Punjab Government has the approved the project for digging up drains for Kotla, Sidhwan and Eastern canal branch. The Irrigation department has initiated the work on this project. On the other hand to tackle the perennial Irrigation water shortage problems in the kandi area, the Punjab government has also given approval for digging 280 new tube wells at the cost of Rs. 108 crore.

Disclosing this here today, Janmeja singh sekhon, Minister for Irrigation, Punjab said that Punjab Government was fully committed to develop agriculture and encourage diversification in the Kandi area to bring the development of this area at par with developed areas of the state.

The Minister said that the government has got a comprehensive study done on irrigation requirement of the area and as per findings of that study 280 spots were identified, where there was an immediate requirement of digging deep tube wells. He further said that the Irrigation Department would shortly float the tender for digging of 280 tube wells. He said that the government has decided that 140 deep tube wells be handed over to farmer community by September 30 and remaining 140 would be operational by March 31st, 2014.

He said that the Punjab Government has also approved the work for the relining of all minors in the state. He said that the in future Irrigation Department while tendering out these projects should make the construction agency accountable for maintaining that system for next 15 years. He said that tender should also incorporate the clause making construction agency accountable for ensuring supply of water at tail end of the system besides monitoring the usage of Canal Water at different points.