9 months ago
Gang Canal Centenary Event Moved Amid Backlash
The Indian government decided to move a special event celebrating 100 years of the Gang canal from Punjab to Rajasthan.
The Gang canal brings water from Punjab to Rajasthan and has been a contentious issue.
The event was originally planned in Punjab but was moved because some people there were upset about the canal, saying it takes away water that should stay in Punjab.
The government was worried about protests, so they decided to hold the event in Rajasthan instead.
The canal was built a long time ago by a king named Ganga Singh to help with water scarcity in Rajasthan.
The event will now include the foundation stone laying for a Rs 647 crore project to improve the canal, which will benefit farmers in Rajasthan.
The Gang canal centenary event was relocated from Punjab to Rajasthan due to backlash fears.
The event now includes the foundation stone laying for a Rs 647 crore project to improve the canal.
The Gang canal supplies water from Punjab to Rajasthan and has been a contentious issue.
Punjab Congress criticized the event, calling it a celebration of colonial-era injustice.
The project aims to enhance water availability for farmers in Rajasthan's Sriganganagar and Hanumangarh districts.
- Who
- Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Punjab BJP unit, Punjab Congress, Punjab farmers, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma
- What
- Relocation of a function to mark 100 years of the Gang canal
- Where
- Originally Hussainiwala, Ferozepur, Punjab; relocated to Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan
- When
- December 6, 2024 (scheduled event)
- Why
- Fears of backlash over water sharing issues and historical sensitivities
Key facts
- Event
- 100 years of Gang canal celebration
- Original Location
- Hussainiwala, Ferozepur, Punjab
- New Location
- Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan
- Scheduled Date
- December 6, 2024
- Union Minister
- Arjun Ram Meghwal
- Reason for Relocation
- Fears of backlash over water sharing issues
- Project Cost
- Rs 647 crore
- Attendees
- CM Bhajan Lal Sharma, Arjun Ram Meghwal
Timeline
Malwa Canal Project sparks Punjab protests.
Then, centennial Gang canal event relocated to Rajasthan.
Government acts to avoid water diversion unrest.
Quotes
Bhajan Lal Sharma
Chief Minister of Rajasthan
“Gehlot claims Kamal Nath is his close friend. But when the time came to sign the ERCP agreement, Kamal Nath, the then Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, refused to cooperate and instead went to court against the proposal.”
thehansindia.com
“Mohan Yadav proved what true leadership and true friendship mean. At my request, he swiftly finalised the ERCP agreement. Today, the DPR is complete, and the foundation stone has also been laid. That is real commitment.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
Why BJP is in deep water over a century-old canal project in Punjab, forced Arjun Ram Meghwal into making quick U-turn
CM Bhajan Lal Sharma lays foundation for Rs 647-cr Gang Canal–Ferozepur Feeder revamp
Fearing backlash, Govt asks minister to return to Delhi; cancels Punjab event
BJP govt will bring Yamuna water to Shekhawati region: Rajasthan CM
