Congress has demanded that if the Punjab government is proposing a water closure in the Gang Canal in January for the reconstruction of the Ferozepur feeder Canal, then clear information should be immediately provided about what alternative water arrangements will be made for the farmers during the closure period.

Congress leaders, led by Lal Chand Mirzewala, submitted a five-point memorandum to District Collector Dr. Manju at Sriganganagar. The delegation included former Congress MLA from Sadulshehar, Jagdish Prasad Jangid, District Council Director Sukhpreet Singh and Panchayat Samiti Head Surinderpal Singh Brar.

The party said that the Punjab government is planning a canal closure in January for the reconstruction of the Ferozepur feeder which will affect millions of farmers in the Gang Canal area. Currently, the Gang Canal usually carries 2500 cusecs of water during the winter, but this time only 1600 to 1800 cusecs of water is available, which is already causing distress to the farmers.

Concerned about the condition of the old Bikaner Canal, the memorandum said that alternative water is proposed to be taken from the old Bikaner Canal originating from Ferozepur during the closure, but the cleaning and repair of this canal have not yet been done. If cleaned immediately, the old Bikaner Canal can also benefit hundreds of farmers in Fazilka district who get water through the Eastern Canal.