Irrigation Department launches cleaning op at Gang Canal

After a hiatus of nearly 32 months, the Punjab Irrigation Department has launched a major operation to clean Gang Canal, which is flanked by wild bushes. The bushes obstruct the flow of water.

To facilitate the cleaning, the supply to six other canals in the Abohar area has been suspended till December 17.

The Rajasthan Government had allocated Rs 80 lakh for the cleaning of the canal, which has the capacity to carry 2,500 cusecs of water. However, due to its deteriorating condition, the canal has been losing approximately 500 cusecs of water.

The cleaning work began earlier this month, starting from the canal’s origin near the Ferozepur Headworks. Efforts are progressing with the goal of clearing about one ‘burji’ canal length every day.

The cleaning operation in Punjab is being carried out using two high-powered machines. Farmers from the region, who rely on the canal for water, are closely monitoring the progress to ensure transparency. They emphasised that proper cleaning would ensure a steady water supply for both irrigation and drinking needs.

Gang Canal project chairman Harvinder Singh Gill said the cleaning was taking place from RD 45, Ballanwala, near Ferozepur. “We are clearing one ‘burji’ canal every day and the progress is being closely monitored by vigilant farmers stationed in the Punjab area. As long as the machines are operational, they will keep track of the work and provide regular updates,” he said.

Gill further noted that once the cleaning was completed, water transit losses in Punjab would be significantly reduced. The last cleaning operation in the Punjab area was carried out in April 2022, from RD 45, Ballanwala, to Khakhan Headworks, located on the Abohar-Sriganganagar border.