Jalandhar, May 29 -- Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday said Punjab has been able to use 96% of canal water for irrigation due to extensive efforts undertaken by the state to strengthen and expand the canal network.

Addressing the gathering after paying obeisance on the 38th death anniversary of Sant Baba Avtar Singh at Seechewal village in Jalandhar district, Mann said increased canal water usage has helped the state improve the groundwater table in several parts of the state.

"The state used canal water for around 96% irrigation this year to curb further exploitation of groundwater. More than 21,000 cusecs of water was released into the fields, and sustained environmental efforts helped recharge 21 lakh cubic metres of gr...