Punjab govt to invest Rs 2 cr to rebuild Abohar canal

The Punjab government has begun the reconstruction of the Abohar Minor (branch canal), which was initially constructed around 50 years ago when Bal Ram Jakhar was Deputy Minister in Punjab and held the portfolios of irrigation, power, and cooperation departments.

Previously, the canal had a brick-lined floor and side slopes, but now a modified system of cement-concrete construction has been adopted to prevent seepage loss.

The government had ordered the closure of the entire canal network in the area last month, but work could not begin due to some problems.

Now, canals in the area have been closed until February 28 to undertake long-awaited multiple renovation and cleaning works.

MLA Sandeep Jakhar, accompanied by farmers and government officials, inspected the construction work of the Abohar Minor on Tuesday. He stated that a grant was issued to repair this sub-canal by the previous government, but it was deemed appropriate to reconstruct it due to its dilapidated condition. Therefore, that grant was returned.

A proposal to construct a cement-concrete canal was submitted to the state government, which is now being undertaken at a cost of Rs 2.05 crores.

The MLA appealed to the villagers to provide support during the construction work and continue to check the material and leveling periodically as the canal is being constructed after approximately 50 years.

He also expressed gratitude to the Punjab government for initiating this pending work. The officials were instructed to maintain vigilance to ensure proper utilisation of funds strictly according to the prescribed guidelines.