Haryana CM Saini Reviews ₹100-Crore Irrigation Projects, Orders Action Over Delays in Engineering Drawings

Chandigarh, June 16 — Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday chaired a high-level review meeting of major irrigation and water resource projects, each valued at over ₹100 crore, under the state’s Irrigation and Water Resources Department. Stressing the urgency and significance of water conservation and improved irrigation efficiency, Saini directed strict action against officials responsible for delays in approving engineering drawings.

He emphasized that unnecessary delays in technical approvals hinder timely project execution. “There will be zero tolerance for poor-quality work or procedural delays. Any official found responsible for holding up engineering approvals will face strict action,” he said.

The CM announced that five key mega-projects aimed at boosting water infrastructure and sustainable agriculture are under implementation across the state. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening irrigation infrastructure to address long-term water security and enhance agricultural productivity.

Among the major initiatives, the CM highlighted the construction of a parallel lined channel (PLC) from Dadupur to Hamida Head and modernization of the Western Jamuna Canal (WJC), with a combined investment of ₹274.87 crore. The project, aimed at reducing leakage losses from the Hathnikund Barrage during non-monsoon seasons, is 64.5% complete and is targeted for completion by March 2026.

He also reviewed the ₹383 crore augmentation canal reconstruction work along the WJC Branch (75.25 km), which is already 81% complete and likely to be finished by June 2025. Another major project is the ₹197.80 crore concrete lining and remodeling of the PD Branch (from Munak to Khubdu Head), covering 145.25 km.

Additionally, the ₹145.99 crore structural safety project involving diaphragm wall construction downstream of the Hathnikund Barrage is progressing steadily. The CM also reviewed the water supply infrastructure for the Gorakhpur Nuclear Power Plant being built by NPCIL. This includes RCC barrel and link channel construction worth ₹442.64 crore, most of which has already been completed.

Looking ahead to the 2025 monsoon season, the CM shared that short-term strategies have been devised to ensure uninterrupted water supply and protection of infrastructure. These include temporary safety works at Hathnikund and maximizing discharge capacity in key canals.

CM Saini underscored the government’s focus on continuous monitoring, inter-departmental coordination, and active stakeholder engagement to overcome implementation challenges and fast-track completion. “These projects are vital for Haryana’s long-term water resilience and agricultural stability,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi, Principal Secretary to CM Rajesh Khullar, Additional Chief Secretary of Environment and Forests Anand Mohan Sharan, Public Health Engineering Secretary Mohammad Shayin, EIC Satbir Kadian, and other senior officials.