Water Resources Minister directs Irrigation Department to conduct on-ground inspection of all canals in the state
May 24, 2025 - PatialaPolitics
Water Resources Minister directs Irrigation Department to conduct on-ground inspection of all canals in the state
– Barinder Goel reviews repair work at the leakage site near Passiana on the Bhakra Main Line
– Major mishap averted due to vigilance of Water Resources Department: Barinder Goel
Patiala, May 24:
Punjab Minister for Water Resources, Mining & Geology, and Water & Soil Conservation, Mr. Barinder Goel, has directed the Irrigation Department to carry out on-ground inspections of all canals across the state to ensure that no leakage issues arise. He visited the leakage site on the Bhakra Main Line near village Passiana in Patiala around 6 AM today to review the ongoing repair work.
Minister Barinder Goel expressed satisfaction that due to the department’s vigilance, the leakage in the Bhakra Main Line was identified and plugged in time. He mentioned that recently, the water level in the canal had been lowered for repair work, and when water was released again on May 21, a leakage was detected near Passiana. Acting swiftly, the officials immediately plugged the leakage. He added that the Water Resources Department and its officials are thoroughly inspecting the entire canal line to prevent any recurrence.
Responding to media queries, the minister explained that such leakages often occur when rats create burrows during periods of low water flow in the canals. On this occasion, Mr. Goel instructed the officials to conduct a complete inspection on both sides of the Bhakra Main Line and to immediately repair any weak embankments found, in order to avoid future leakages. He emphasized that the Water Resources Department is fully vigilant and that comprehensive monitoring is being conducted to prevent such incidents.
Mr. Goel further informed that after May 21, the canal was scheduled to carry 11,700 cusecs of water, and around 11,000 cusecs was flowing. Due to the leakage, the water flow had to be reduced temporarily, but after thorough inspection, the canal will again operate at full capacity.
Present on the occasion were Chief Engineer Sher Singh, SE Sukhjeet Singh Bhullar, SE Ankit Dheer, Executive Engineer Gursharan Singh Virk, SDO Ashish Kumar, and other officials of the Water Resources Department.
Photo: Cabinet Minister Barinder Goel inspecting the ongoing repair work at the leakage site near Pasiayana.