World Bank Approves Rs 5,700 Crore Assistance for Water Self-Reliance in Haryana

The World Bank has sanctioned Rs 5,700 crore for the Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project, aiming to make Haryana self-sufficient in water resources. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that these funds will be allocated gradually from 2026 to 2032. The project focuses on extensive canal sector improvements, as stated during a meeting about the programme.

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According to an official statement, Saini noted that out of Haryana's 1,570 canals, 892 have been restored over two decades. The remaining 678 canals are set for restoration within five years. This includes 115 canals with Rs 2,325 crore from the World Bank, 284 canals with Rs 2,230 crore from the state budget, and 279 canals with Rs 2,880 crore through NABARD.

Water Management and Irrigation Improvements

The Chief Minister highlighted that out of 15,562 minor canals under the Micro Irrigation & Command Area Development Authority, 4,487 have been restored over the past 20 years. Plans are in place to restore the remaining 1,961 minor canals within five years. This includes restoring 400 minor canals with Rs 450 crore from the World Bank, 1,500 minor canals with Rs 1,250 crore from the state budget, and 61 minor canals with Rs 402 crore through NABARD.

With World Bank support of Rs 900 crore, micro-irrigation systems will be implemented over approximately 70,000 acres of agricultural land. The Agriculture Department will also develop tube-well-based drainage and surface drainage systems to address waterlogging issues across about 200,000 acres.

Groundwater Recharge and Sewage Treatment

To enhance groundwater recharge, around 80 water bodies will be constructed in southern Haryana districts. Additionally, treated water from four major sewage treatment plants in Jind, Kaithal, and Gurugram will be reused for irrigation on approximately 28,000 acres of farmland. The World Bank has provided financial assistance of about Rs 600 crore for this initiative.

Saini mentioned that sustainable agriculture practices will be promoted through crop diversification and direct seeding of rice. The World Bank will provide approximately Rs 886 crore for these efforts. "The World Bank appreciated the government's visionary leadership and guidance for this achievement," Saini said.

Long-term Benefits and Farmer Support

Upon completion of this project, all Haryana canals will be restored to modern standards. The canal network will be fully lined and effective for the next 25 years without needing further restoration funds. Irrigation facilities will extend to an additional two lakh acres of land.

The Chief Minister urged farmers to adopt micro-irrigation systems in paddy cultivation. "This will result in higher yields and help farmers overcome several other problems caused by open-field water usage," he said.

The Jal Sanrakshit Haryana programme represents a significant shift in water management strategies for the state. It aims not only to make Haryana water self-reliant but also reflects a commitment to a safe and sustainable water future for future generations.

With inputs from PTI