Union Minister Chairs Meeting on Rehabilitation of Ferozpur Feeder for Water Supply to Rajasthan

New Delhi: The Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, led a significant meeting in New Delhi today to address the crucial matter of the rehabilitation of the Ferozpur Feeder, originating from the Harike Barrage in Punjab. The meeting delved into various issues related to water supply for irrigation in Rajasthan through the Ferozpur feeder.

Attended by Member of Parliament, Shri Nihal Chand, MLA Gurveer Singh Brar, Chairman of the Central Water Commission (CWC), Shri Kushvinder Vohra, and officials from CWC, Water Resources Department of Rajasthan, and Irrigation Department of Punjab, the session also included the presence of farmers from the Ganganagar and Hanumangarh areas of Rajasthan.

During the meeting, the Union Minister for Jal Shakti disclosed that the Pre-Feasibility report, submitted by the Government of Punjab to the Central Water Commission for the Rehabilitation and Relining of the 51 km long Ferozpur Feeder, has received approval. This feeder canal plays a crucial role in supplying water to the Bikaner Canal, benefiting the districts of Ganganagar and Hanumangarh in Rajasthan.

Minister Shekhawat directed officials from Punjab and Rajasthan to promptly submit the Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Central Water Commission. Once submitted, he emphasized the need for a swift examination of the DPR and subsequent approval by the Advisory Committee of the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD&GR).

In addition to the Ferozpur Feeder rehabilitation, various other water and irrigation-related issues were discussed during the meeting. The collaborative efforts of multiple stakeholders aim to ensure a sustainable and efficient water supply system for agricultural activities in the region. The Union Minister expressed optimism about the progress made and reiterated the government’s commitment to addressing water-related challenges for the benefit of the farming community.