Punjab CM Mann Unveils Visionary Malwa Canal Project

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced the construction of the 150-km long Malwa canal, aiming to cater to the irrigation needs of roughly 2 lakh acres in southern Punjab. The canal, first of its kind post-Independence, is expected to bring significant progress to the region, countering previous governmental oversight.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday announced the construction of the 150-km long Malwa canal, which is currently under development, to meet the irrigation needs of nearly 2 lakh acres in the southern region of the state.

This marks the first canal project being set up in the state post-Independence, a significant milestone proposed in the state budget of March.

In his address while inspecting the canal work, Mann emphasized that former governments neglected the state's needs, leading to overexploitation of groundwater and numerous blocks becoming dark zones.

Mann proclaimed that the new canal would herald a new era of unprecedented progress and prosperity, particularly in the Malwa region, with the state government investing approximately Rs 2,300 crore in the project.

Labeling it a dream project he envisioned even before his tenure as chief minister, Mann criticized the former Shiromani Akali Dal-led governments for their failure to undertake such endeavors, accusing them of prioritizing personal gain over public benefit.

The CM also took a swipe at SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal for raising issues of water royalty only after her family's political decline, highlighting her family's significant role in state affairs since the 1970s without ever addressing the matter.

Mann also hinted at revealing crucial information about the Mohali-based Sukhvilas project, alleging the Badal family had Rs 108 crore in taxes waived through a bespoke eco-tourism policy during their rule.

(With inputs from agencies.)