Chandigarh: The Punjab government has initiated steps to recover pending water dues from Rajasthan, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann confirming that a formal communication has been sent to the neighbouring state.
Addressing mediapersons in Chandigarh, Mann said that Rajasthan has been receiving water under a 1920 agreement and had made payments until 1960. However, payments were allegedly discontinued thereafter.
He claimed that dues amounting to ₹1.44 lakh crore have accumulated since 1960. “We have written to the Rajasthan government for discussions regarding the pending amount and will ensure its recovery,” Mann said.
The chief minister also highlighted the state’s efforts to strengthen irrigation infrastructure, stating that around ₹6,700 crore has been spent over the past four years to improve canal systems.
According to Mann, nearly 78% of Punjab’s agricultural land is now being irrigated through canal water, and the coverage is expected to increase further. He added that enhanced canal usage has also contributed to improving groundwater levels in several regions.
Mann further said that the long-defunct 22-km Sarhali canal in Tarn Taran has been revived, and the government plans to expand efficient utilisation of canal water to benefit farmers across the state.
