Faridkot residents oppose canal lining, say will hit water recharge

Faridkot Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar on Sunday said the Punjab Water Resources Department will complete by February-end the strengthening of the 10-km stretch of the Sirhind Feeder Canal along the town, a move opposed by local residents here.

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Local residents fear that the adding of an impermeable layer of concrete to the canal bed and its edges would prevent the groundwater recharge, impacting the availability of drinking water.

A group of people protesting under the banner of the Jal Jeevan Bachao Morcha alleged that the concrete lining of the canal would lead to a drastic fall in underground water levels, leaving a large number of area residents without access to drinking water.

However, the Deputy Commissioner sought to dispel the fears, saying instead of undertaking concrete lining, they would stick to the old practice of brick lining, ensuring that the seepage of water remains at the current levels.

He said the canal stretch needs a revamp as its structure has deteriorated over the years, reducing its capacity to carry water effectively.

“During monsoon, water often flows over the canal banks, posing a threat to life and property,” Kumar added, stressing that the project would help restore the canal’s water-carrying capacity. He also said the administration will plant 10 times more saplings than the trees axed during the project.