First of its kind projects for utilizing treated water of STPs for irrigation at Talwandi Bhai and Zira inaugurated in the border region

Ferozepur, February 20, 2024: Punjab Water Resources, and Soil & Water Conservation Minister Chetan Singh Jouramajra, today, inaugurated two treated water-based irrigation projects from Sewerage Treatment Plants in Talwandi Bhai and Zira of 4 and 8 MLD capacity, respectively. Both the projects will provide irrigation water to 556 hectares of about 360 farmer households.

Addressing the gathering, Jouramajra reiterated that the AAP Government was committed to provide every possible assistance to state’s farming community and that providing irrigation water at farmers’ fields is on top of that priority list. Recalling the recent drive to restore canal water-based field channels wherein over 14000 field channels have been restored to supply canal water to agricultural fields, the Minister informed that promoting surface water based irrigation facilities to reduce dependence on ground water have received major thrust since last 2 years of government formation. He further stated that treated water use for irrigation is also a step in maximizing surface water use as this water, which would have otherwise gone waste into the drains, is now being utilized in agriculture.

The Minister said that till date 60 treated water use irrigation project from as many STPs utilizing 340 MLD treated water have been commissioned in the state benefiting approximately 11000 hectares of agricultural land and because of government’s keen focus on the programme, the treated water use will be scaled upto 600 MLD by the next crop season only, which will benefit more than 25000 hectares of agricultural land.

Jouramajra said that the state of Punjab was first in the country to initiate treated water use in an organized manner and that other states have been following suit.

Addressing the farming community who are beneficiaries of these projects, the Water Resources Minister called upon utilizing every drop of water judiciously and adopt improved and efficient irrigation techniques as agriculture is major consumer of water resource and state is already facing a grim situation.

Jouramajra further said that government was committed towards water conservation and has recently signed an MoU with a big industry of the state, which is first ever such agreement with a private entity, who will contribute and invest in water conservation sector of the state.

The Minister while briefing about the projects said that underground pipeline of 4.5 kms has been laid at Talwandi Bhai, whereas pipeline of 10.3 km length has been laid at Zira at a cost of Rs.1.41 Crores and Rs.3.04 crores, respectively. These projects will benefit 556 hectares of agriculture land and farming community of five villages namely; Haraj, Talwandi Bhai, New Zira, Gadri Wala and Botiyan Wala.