Punjab Canals Flow Beyond Capacity as Paddy Transplantation Peaks

Punjab's canal network is witnessing an unprecedented surge in water flow as the paddy transplantation season reaches its peak. For the first time, water flowing through the state's canals has exceeded their designed carrying capacity. While the total canal capacity stands at 36,125 cusecs, the current water flow has reached 37,899 cusecs, operating at 105 percent of capacity. Although complaints of canal water shortages continue to emerge from some regions, gauge data from the Department of Water Resources shows that the overall canal system is currently carrying water beyond its full designed capacity. According to available information, Punjab has nearly 10 million acres under cultivation. Based on the present availability of canal water, around 7.589 million acres can now be irrigated through the canal network. Four years ago, canal water was available for only 2.089 million acres, whereas the irrigated area has now increased to 5.8 million acres, representing 78 percent coverage. Meanwhile, water distribution through the Bhakra Main Line shows that Haryana is receiving 84 percent of its share, while the Rajasthan Feeder is carrying 65 percent of its capacity. The Bikaner Canal is operating at 83 percent capacity. The use of canal water has also increased significantly in the Patiala and Fatehgarh Sahib regions. According to the Department of Water Resources' gauge monitoring system, the Sirhind Canal, which has a designed capacity of 12,625 cusecs, is currently carrying 12,800 cusecs, equivalent to 101 percent of its capacity. The Abohar Branch is operating at 103 percent, while the Upper Bari Doab Canal Main Line is also flowing at 103 percent capacity. Water supply in the Nawanshahr Branch has reached 100 percent. Similarly, the Lahore Branch under the Majitha Division, with a designed capacity of 1,031.50 cusecs, is currently carrying 1,032 cusecs of water. The Kasur Branch is operating at 73 percent capacity. The Kotla Branch, which irrigates agricultural land in Sangrur, Barnala, and Mansa, has a designed capacity of 3,318 cusecs and is currently carrying 3,105 cusecs. The Sirhind Feeder is running at 100 percent capacity, while 3,204 cusecs of Punjab's allocated share is presently flowing through the Bhakra Main Line.