Malwa Canal Project

The Malwa Canal project in Punjab, Proposed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has sparked debate due to its environmental implications, as it aims to enhance agricultural productivity in southern Punjab with a 150-km canal, the first major irrigation initiative since India’s Independence, but poses a threat to local flora.

Project Overview

The Malwa Canal will extend 150 km, starting from the Harike headworks on the Sutlej River. It is designed to irrigate approximately 200,000 acres of land. The estimated cost of the project is ₹2,300 crore, and the canal will be 12 feet deep, running parallel to the Rajasthan Feeder Canal.

Environmental Impact

The construction will necessitate the removal of around 1.3 lakh trees and plants. The Forest Department estimates that 49.2 hectares of forest land will be affected, along with 614 trees and 10,200 plants in the surrounding area. This raises concerns about biodiversity loss and ecological balance.

Regulatory Process

The Punjab Chief Secretary recently convened a meeting to address these concerns. The Forest Department has been tasked with issuing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the project. Their observations will inform the state government’s final decision regarding the project’s approval.

The land earmarked for the canal is owned by the Rajasthan Government and is not protected under Punjab’s 1958 forest notification. Between 2016 and 2018, Punjab planted trees along the Rajasthan Feeder Canal as part of an environmental agreement, investing ₹8.72 crore in the initiative.

Opposition and Criticism

The project has drawn criticism from opposition parties and environmental experts, who question its technical feasibility and ecological impact. Punjab’s Secretary of Forests and Wildlife, Priyank Bharti, indicated that the matter would undergo further review amid these concerns. Attempts to contact key officials for comment have been unsuccessful.

GKToday Facts for Exams:

1. Malwa Canal The Malwa Canal is a proposed 150-km irrigation project in Punjab. It aims to enhance agricultural productivity. Environmental concerns arise due to the planned removal of numerous trees.
2. Harike Headworks Harike Headworks is located on the Sutlej River. It serves as the starting point for the Malwa Canal. This site plays important role in irrigation for southern Punjab.
3.  Rajasthan Feeder Canal The Rajasthan Feeder Canal is crucial for irrigation in Punjab. It runs parallel to the proposed Malwa Canal. The canal’s management involves both Punjab and Rajasthan governments.

Month: Current Affairs - December, 2024

Category: Agriculture Current Affairs