Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Mann Pledges Full Canal Water Coverage Across Punjab’s Fields
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann says more farm fields are now getting water through canals.
He said the coverage has grown from about 22% in 2022 to 80%.
The government wants canal water to reach every field in the state.
It has laid about 14,000 kilometres of pipelines for this purpose.
A News18 quick-answer section also said the state plans more pipelines and canals.
Mann also talked about free electricity, government jobs, schools, healthcare, roads and sports facilities.
He said more than 90% of households receive free electricity.
Six village councils received cheques of Rs 20 lakh each for development work.
Mann also criticised opposition parties over several Punjab-related issues.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann said canal water now reaches 80% of Punjab’s fields, up from about 22% in 2022.
Mann said the government has laid around 14,000 kilometres of pipelines and aims to reach 100% farm coverage.
The government highlighted irrigation, free electricity, jobs, education, healthcare, roads and sports facilities.
Mann said more than 90% of Punjab households receive free power and over 70,000 young people have received government jobs on merit.
He criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal over issues including water, funds and Punjab’s institutions.
- Who
- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party government.
- What
- Mann said canal water reaches 80% of Punjab’s fields and pledged to expand coverage to 100%.
- When
- The remarks were made on September 16, 2026.
- Where
- At a Lok Milni programme in Jindwari village in Sri Anandpur Sahib, Punjab.
- Why
- The stated aim is to improve irrigation, infrastructure and public services across Punjab.
Mann and AAP Government
Opposition Parties
Canal irrigation
Mann and AAP Government
Mann said canal-water access has risen to 80% of fields and pledged to extend it to 100%.
Opposition Parties
The report does not provide a specific opposition response to the canal-coverage figures.
Punjab-related political issues
Mann and AAP Government
Mann said Punjab should stay away from the Bharatiya Janata Party and Shiromani Akali Dal to protect issues involving the state’s water, Chandigarh and Panjab University.
Opposition Parties
Mann criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party over the Bhakra Beas Management Board, Sutlej Yamuna Link canal, rural development funds and border-area funds; the article does not include the parties’ replies.
Government performance
Mann and AAP Government
Mann highlighted free electricity, jobs, education, healthcare, roads, sports facilities and village development as achievements of his government.
Opposition Parties
Mann accused opposition parties, including Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal, of focusing on political power rather than Punjab’s interests.
- Current canal coverage
- 80% of Punjab’s agricultural fields, according to Mann.
- Coverage in 2022
- About 22% when the Aam Aadmi Party government came to power.
- Pipelines laid
- Around 14,000 kilometres, according to the report.
- Future target
- Canal water coverage for 100% of Punjab’s fields.
- Free electricity
- Mann said more than 90% of Punjab households receive free power.
- Government employment
- Mann claimed more than 70,000 young people received government jobs on merit.
- Village development funding
- Six panchayats received cheques worth Rs 20 lakh each.