Chandigarh, June 29 -- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Monday announced that his government would lay an additional 7,000 kilometres of pipelines by the end of this year to ensure canal water reaches every farm in the state.
Addressing a Lok Milni programme at Bhallur village in Moga district, Mann said the state government had already laid 14,000 kilometres of pipelines and watercourses over the past four years to improve irrigation facilities for farmers. He said nearly 21,000 cusecs of water had been released through these pipelines, benefiting farmers across Punjab.
The Chief Minister said the government had also established recharge points in canals and rivers to improve groundwater levels, claiming that water tables had risen by two to four metres in several areas. He asserted that nearly 80 per cent of Punjab's agricultural land now receives canal water. Mann said the Akali Dal, Congress and BJP had joined hands against his government because they could not match its performance.
He alleged that previous governments neglected farmers and allowed various mafias to flourish in the state.
Referring to criticism from political opponents, Mann said the people of Punjab would not allow those who had "looted the state" to return to power. He accused traditional parties of trying to defame his government through false allegations and religious controversies.
Highlighting his government's achievements, the Chief Minister said more than 90 per cent of households in Punjab were receiving free electricity, while over 68,000 government jobs had been provided without corruption. He also cited improvements in roads, education and healthcare.
Mann said the state had launched the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, offering cashless medical treatment of up to Rs 10 lakh per family. He added that the government had earmarked Rs 9,300 crore for the Maavan Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, under which eligible women would receive financial
assistance.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.