CM reviews work of Malwa Canal – the first ever canal to be constructed in state in post-independence era

Sri Muktsar Sahib: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday said that state is on the threshold of creating a new history as for the first time in the history of state a new canal ‘Malwa Canal’ is being dug to cater to the irrigational needs of the southern Punjab.

The Chief Minister, while addressing the gathering after inspecting ongoing work of Malwa canal, said that it is on record that none of the previous governments of the state had paid heed towards this necessity of the state. He said that due to this gross negligence of the successive state governments the over exploitation of the groundwater took place resulting in maximum blocks turning into dark zones. Bhagwant Singh Mann further said that this around 150 kilometre long new canal will usher a new era of unprecedented progress and prosperity in the state especially in Malwa region.

The Chief Minister further said that the state government will spend around Rs 2300 crore on this prestigious project that will cater to irrigational needs of nearly two lakh acres of fertile land of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that he had conceived the project much before assuming the charge of Chief Minister of the state. He said that in reality this is his dream project which is aimed giving a major impetus to the overall development and progress of the state in general and that of Malwa region in particular.

Taking a jibe over the previous rulers, the Chief Minister said that those who had always sought votes on the name of panth had never bothered to take such step. He said that the Akali leaders were more interested in supplying water to their farms rather than executing such projects that could have transformed the destiny of the common man. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that due to such anti-people stances these leaders were outrightly rejected by the voters and a whopping mandate was given to the incumbent government.

The Chief Minister quipped that Lok Sabha MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal was shedding crocodile tears over the issue of demanding Royalty for the waters of the state. He reminded the Lok Sabha MP that since 1970s her family was at the helms of affairs of the state for a majority period but they never raised this issue anywhere. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now when the people of state have sent them to political oblivion Badal family is raising these issues adding that the wise people of state know the real face of this family and they will never spare them for their sins.