The Malwa Canal is a flagship project of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, which is set to be the first canal constructed in the state since Independence. Spanning 150 kilometers, this canal is proposed to run parallel to the left bank of the Rajasthan Feeder Canal, a land area officially owned by the Rajasthan Government.
Project Details and Cost
- Length: 150 km
- Depth: 12 feet
- Origin: Harike headworks, Sutlej River, Ferozepur district
- Cost: Estimated at Rs 2,300 crore
- Purpose: To cater to the irrigation needs of nearly 2 lakh acres in southern Punjab
Environmental Concerns and Tree Felling
The construction of the Malwa Canal is expected to result in the felling of nearly 1.30 lakh trees and plants. According to the Punjab Forest Department, the project will impact:
- Forest Area: 49.2164 hectares
- Trees and Plants: 614 trees and 10,200 plants in the forest area will be affected.
Additionally, the canal’s construction will affect 407.078 hectares of plantation along the Rajasthan Feeder Canal, with 1,30,494 trees and plants set to be felled.
Government’s Plantation Efforts
From 2016 to 2018, Punjab Government carried out extensive plantation activities under an agreement with the Rajasthan Government. A total of 4,087.078 hectares were planted with various species, including sheesham, kikkar, and neem trees, at a cost of Rs 8.72 crore. These plantations have resulted in dense forests with 1,19,680 trees and plants.
Current Status and Approval Process
The matter has been discussed in a meeting chaired by the Punjab Chief Secretary. The Forest Department has submitted its observations to the state government, which will make a final decision. The project is currently awaiting approval from the state government, following the submission of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Forest Department.
Controversy and Opposition
The project has sparked controversy, with opposition parties and some experts questioning its technical feasibility. Despite repeated attempts, officials like the Punjab Forest and Wildlife Preservation Minister and Principal Chief Conservator of Forests have not provided comments on the matter.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary purpose of the Malwa Canal project?
A) To provide drinking water to Punjab
B) To cater to the irrigation needs of 2 lakh acres in southern Punjab
C) To generate electricity
D) To connect Punjab with Rajasthan
Answer: B) To cater to the irrigation needs of 2 lakh acres in southern Punjab - How many trees and plants are expected to be felled for the Malwa Canal project?
A) 50,000
B) 1.30 lakh
C) 2 lakh
D) 10,000
Answer: B) 1.30 lakh - What is the estimated cost of the Malwa Canal project?
A) Rs 1,500 crore
B) Rs 2,300 crore
C) Rs 3,500 crore
D) Rs 5,000 crore
Answer: B) Rs 2,300 crore - Which species of trees were planted during the plantation effort along the Rajasthan Feeder Canal?
A) Mango and Banyan
B) Sheesham, Kikkar, and Neem
C) Oak and Pine
D) Bamboo and Eucalyptus
Answer: B) Sheesham, Kikkar, and Neem - Which department is responsible for providing the No Objection Certificate (NOC) for the Malwa Canal project?
A) Water Resources Department
B) Forest Department
C) Punjab Government
D) Rajasthan Government
Answer: B) Forest Department