Punjab seeks Centre's clearance of canal network projects

The Punjab government has sought Centre's clearance of Rs 4,128.43 crore canal network rejuvenation project in the state.
It also demanded that the Centre should declare the Rs 3,498.40 crore project for replenishment of depleting ground water in the state as a national project.
The demands were put forth by Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal to Union Water Resources Minister Harish Rawat during a here last evening, officials said.
Badal sought Rawat's personal intervention in getting projects worth Rs 4,128.43 crore for rehabilitation, extension, renovation and modernisation of canal network in Punjab that has already been submitted for technical clearance to Central Water Commission (CWC).

The CM apprised the minister that water carrying capacity of the existing century-old canal network in the state has reduced by 25 per cent and needed to be immediately revamped as 28 per cent area of total agricultural land in the state is dependent on canal water for irrigation purposes.
Expressing concern over the rapidly depleting ground water table in Punjab, Badal urged Rawat to direct the Central Ground Water Board for an early clearance of the comprehensive proposal of Rs 3,498.40 crore that has already been submitted by the state government to it.

He also demanded that the project for replenishment of depleting ground water in Punjab should be declared as a national project to safeguard interests of Punjab farmers.

On the issue of relining of Rajasthan feeder and Sirhind feeder, he demanded immediate release of Rs 89.445 crore and Rs 48.286 crore respectively for these projects under the funding pattern of 90:10 between the Centre and the state.
Presently for Punjab the funding formula is 25:75, with the Centre giving 25 per cent and Punjab's share being 75 per cent.
Responding positively to the demands put forth, Rawat said the guidelines of 12th plan will be finalised by the Cabinet in its next meeting on June 15 and, thereafter, the ministry would clear all pending proposals.
Rawat also said the Union government is mulling to enhance central share in all canal projects in future.