Chandigarh, August 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday said the Bhagwant Mann-led state government has launched a major water conservation drive involving canal revival, restoration of watercourses and groundwater recharge projects to address the state’s worsening water crisis.
Addressing a press conference after speaking in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on a resolution moved by Professor Jaswant Singh Gajjanmajra, Cheema said the government has taken steps to reverse decades of groundwater depletion through large-scale interventions.
He said the state has revived and restored around 16,000 kilometres of watercourses and released nearly 39,049 cusecs of canal water to ensure supply reaches farmers, including those at the tail-end of the canal network.
“Continuous groundwater extraction over the last 25 to 30 years forced farmers to deepen tubewells repeatedly and increase electricity consumption. The government has taken up the mission of restoring the canal network to reduce dependence on groundwater,” Cheema said.
Highlighting the impact of the initiative, the Finance Minister claimed that groundwater levels have improved by 3 to 5 metres in several blocks across Punjab. He added that the use of canal water instead of excessive groundwater extraction has helped increase wheat and paddy yields by 1 to 2 quintals per acre, benefiting farmers while reducing pressure on electricity resources.
Cheema said the government is also focusing on groundwater recharge through rainwater harvesting measures. Municipal committees have been directed to make recharge wells mandatory for approval of new building plans in urban areas.
He informed that 510 groundwater recharge schemes have been implemented across Punjab, including 192 pond-based recharge projects and 246 canal-based recharge schemes, aimed at improving rainwater conservation and strengthening groundwater reserves.
The minister said the government’s long-term objective is to secure Punjab’s water future through sustainable conservation measures.
“Water is not merely a resource for agriculture but a lifeline for the entire ecosystem and future generations,” Cheema said, adding that the state government is committed to following the path of conservation shown by the Sikh Gurus.
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