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The Firozpur Feeder Reconstruction Project, a joint initiative between Rajasthan and Punjab, is moving forward with approvals and funding commitments. With a sanctioned cost of INR 647.62 crore, the project seeks to enhance the Gang Canal system's capacity to support irrigation in Rajasthan's Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh districts. Punjab has agreed in principle to contribute INR 379.12 crore, while Rajasthan will fund INR 268.50 crore. The initiative is expected to significantly benefit over 3.14 lakh hectares of agricultural land.
The Firozpur Feeder Reconstruction Project-an important irrigation initiative for northwest Rajasthan-has taken a major step forward as Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and his Punjab counterpart Bhagwant Mann engaged in a telephonic discussion regarding the project's implementation. This collaborative effort is set to bolster the Gang Canal system that supplies water to the Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh districts. Advertisement
The project, valued at INR 647.62 crore, received approval from the Central Water Commission (CWC) during its 158th advisory committee meeting. As per official figures, Punjab is responsible for INR 379.12 crore, accounting for 58.54% of the total cost, while Rajasthan will contribute INR 268.50 crore, or 41.46%.
Chief Minister Sharma stated that Punjab's Water Resources Department has already extended its in-principle approval to cover Rajasthan's share of the funding. The proposal is currently under review by Rajasthan's finance department before being submitted to the central government for final consideration.
He further highlighted that the project aims to increase the Firozpur Feeder canal's capacity from 11,192 cusecs to 13,842 cusecs. This expansion would allow the canal to retain surplus monsoon water, which would otherwise flow into Pakistan, thus securing additional water for irrigation. Over 3.14 lakh hectares of land in Rajasthan stand to benefit from the increased availability of irrigation water.
The Rajasthan government has set a target to commence construction within this year and aims to finish the project by 2027. An allocation of INR 200 crore has already been made under the state?s 2024?25 budget to initiate the project.
This development followed a visit by Chief Minister Sharma to Sriganganagar, where concerns about the canal?s capacity were voiced by farmers and local leaders. Prompted by this, Sharma held consultations with the Union Jal Shakti Minister, which subsequently led to the CWC granting its clearance.
Sharma emphasised that the reconstruction would significantly enhance irrigation coverage, boost agricultural productivity, and reinforce the rural economy of the region.
With both states aligned in their commitment and funding, and the Centre's approval in place, the initiative stands as a crucial step toward strengthening agricultural infrastructure. Beyond irrigation, the project is likely to positively impact rural livelihoods and ensure better monsoon water utilisation in a border-sensitive region.
Source: PTI
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