In a significant move to bolster Haryana's water management and irrigation infrastructure, the World Bank has approved Rs 5,700 crore in financial and technical assistance for the 'Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project'. The primary objective of this project is to make the state self-reliant in the water sector.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that the funds would be disbursed in phases over six years, from 2026 to 2032. These funds will be utilized for large-scale canal restoration and water conservation efforts.

The Chief Minister highlighted the current state of Haryana's canal infrastructure, noting that 892 out of 1,570 canals have been restored in the past two decades. The remaining 678 canals are slated for restoration within the next five years. This comprehensive plan includes the restoration of 115 canals at a cost of Rs 2,325 crore with World Bank assistance, 284 canals at a cost of Rs 2,230 crore from the state budget, and 279 canals at a cost of Rs 2,880 crore through funding from NABARD.

Furthermore, of the 15,562 minor canals under the Micro Irrigation & Command Area Development Authority (MICADA), 4,487 have already been restored. The remaining 1,961 minor canals are also planned for restoration over the next five years. This includes 400 minors with World Bank support of Rs 450 crore, 1,500 minors funded by the state at Rs 1,250 crore, and 61 minors through NABARD at a cost of Rs 402 crore.

The 'Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project' also aims to promote efficient water use through micro-irrigation systems, which will be implemented across approximately 70,000 acres of agricultural land with World Bank assistance of Rs 900 crore. In addition, the Agriculture Department will develop tube-well-based and surface drainage systems to address waterlogging issues across approximately 200,000 acres.

To further enhance water conservation, the project includes the construction of around 80 water bodies in the southern Haryana districts to improve groundwater recharge. 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 initiative also prioritizes sustainable agricultural practices such as crop diversification. This project aims for a modern and well-restored canal network in Haryana. The 'Jal Sanrakshit Haryana Project' represents a significant step towards ensuring water security and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the state.