Punjab: Land acquisition begins for Malwa Canal

Punjab: The state government has formally initiated the land acquisition process in Muktsar district for the proposed Malwa Canal Project. The canal is expected to boost irrigation in Ferozepur, Faridkot, and Muktsar districts. It will originate from the Harike Headworks. Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann visited the proposed site in Doda village on July 27 last year and highlighted the government’s commitment to improving irrigation infrastructure in the region. He claimed that this would be the first canal to be built in the state since independence. It was expected to be 149 kilometers long, 50 feet wide, and 12.5 feet deep, with a capacity to carry 2,000 cusecs of water. It would help irrigate approximately 200,000 acres. According to a new notification issued by the Water Resources Department and published in the official gazette on Saturday, the land identified for acquisition in 22 villages of Muktsar district cannot be sold, transferred, or encumbered without the prior permission of the collector.

The government has invited objections from landowners regarding the area, suitability, and findings of the Social Impact Assessment (SIA) report. Objections can be submitted within 60 days at the offices of the Land Acquisition Collector-cum-Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in Muktsar, Gidderbaha, and Malout. The project involves the Malwa Canal and its augmentation channel (to supplement water supply) on the left side of the Rajasthan Feeder Canal. Sandeep Singh, Muktsar’s District Revenue Officer (DRO), said, “Of the total 149-kilometer canal, approximately 77 kilometers will pass through Muktsar district. 822 acres of land are to be acquired for this, of which 496 acres fall within Muktsar district.” The opposition has repeatedly claimed that the project may not be realized, calling it a publicity stunt by the AAP government, but the AAP leadership has hailed it as the Chief Minister’s dream project. Farmers have also questioned its feasibility. “Our question is simple: How will water from the low-lying areas reach the higher ground? The government is misleading the public,” said Bittu Mallan, an activist with the Bharti Kisan Union (Ekta-Ugrahan). The ADC (General) of Muktsar has been appointed the administrator of rehabilitation and resettlement, while the divisional commissioner of Ferozepur has been appointed its commissioner.