MLA Raises Issue of Sardul and Karni Singh Branch Re-Lining in Assembly

Sri Ganganagar: Through a special mention in the Assembly, Sardulshahar MLA Gurveer Singh Barad highlighted the critical dilapidated condition of two vital life-giving canals of the Bhakra irrigation system—Sardul Branch and Karni Singh Branch—and urged their urgent re-lining.
MLA Barad informed the House that both major feeder canals, constructed in 1954-55, have been operating for over seven decades without re-lining, resulting in a significant reduction in flow capacity.
He detailed that the Karni Singh Branch spans 16.35 km, with a design flow capacity of 469 cusecs, whereas the current water demand from seven distributaries/minors and PHED connections exceeds 530 cusecs. Similarly, the Sardul Branch measures 60.35 km with a design capacity of 1,250 cusecs, which has now reduced to approximately 1,080 cusecs, while the total demand from 15 distributaries/minors, moghas, and PHED connections exceeds 1,400 cusecs.
MLA Barad listed the key distributaries dependent on these branches. For Sardul Branch: Bhagatpura, Sangariya, Nathwana, Ratnpura, Morjand, Mammadkheda, Nagarana, Leelawali, Rodawali, Nawan, Jodkia, Modia, Suratgarh, Pilibanga, and Longewala; for Karni Singh Branch: Haripura, Suratpura, Dinagarh, Bhakhdawali, Amarpura, Pratappura, and Karni Singh distributaries. Irrigation in these areas entirely depends on the Bhakra canal system.
He stated that the combined CCA of both branches is approximately 2,33,860 hectares, supporting around 5,42,800 farmers. Due to the dilapidated condition of the canals, high water seepage, and reduced capacity, farmers at the tail end are unable to access adequate irrigation water, and during the rainy season, overflow poses a risk to standing crops and nearby communities.
MLA Barad also noted that while some distributaries have been revived under previous projects and six are under tendering, the main feeder canals—the Sardul and Karni Singh Branches—have not been re-lined since 1955, which is the root cause of current problems.
He urged the government to expedite the re-lining of these two major canals, which would:
•    Restore their design flow capacity
•    Ensure effective control of water seepage
•    Guarantee authorized irrigation water reaches tail-end farmers
MLA Barad emphasized that if this demand is met, millions of farmers across the Sardulshahar, Suratgarh, Pilibanga, Hanumangarh, and Sangariya constituencies would directly benefit, increasing crop productivity and strengthening the agriculture-based economy of the region.