In water-starved Punjab; why plans for a new irrigation canal have raised concerns

Sub: Geo

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Punjab plans to invest Rs 2,300 crore in a new 149.53-km irrigation canal named after the Malwa region- Malwa Canal Project. This canal aims to address irrigation needs in the state’s south-western corner, despite financial constraints and questions about its technical feasibility.

Canal Specifications and Route:

The canal will be 50 feet wide, 12 feet deep, and will originate at the Harike Headworks on the Sutlej River in Ferozepur district.
It is designed to carry 2,000 cusecs of water and will flow parallel to the Sirhind and Rajasthan Feeder canals, ending in Muktsar district near Haryana. It is expected to irrigate 2 lakh acres of land across seven districts.
The canal is intended to supply water to areas on the left side of the Rajasthan Feeder canal, which the Sirhind Feeder struggles to serve, especially during the kharif paddy season.
The current Ferozepur Feeder is inadequate, impacting the Sirhind Feeder’s ability to supply water effectively, necessitating a new canal to stabilise irrigation.
The Malwa Canal is expected to benefit the Abohar area and several districts including Muktsar, Gidderbaha, Bathinda, and Zira.

Source: IE