The World Bank has sanctioned ₹5,700 crore to support Haryana in enhancing and managing its water resources through the “Jal Sanrakshit Haryana” project, aiming to make the state water self-sufficient. This project is all about saving water, improving farming, fixing canals, and securing Haryana’s water future.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini stated that the money for the Jal Sanrakshit Haryana programme will be given gradually from 2026 to 2032. Each stage of funding will cover certain years, specific projects, or targets. The release of money will depend on how well the work is planned and carried out. This step-by-step approach will help keep track of progress, ensure the money is used properly, and make the programme more effective.
What will be done with the money?
Haryana’s primary objective is to focus on repairing and restoring its canals to improve water management. With support from the World Bank, 115 canals will be repaired, while 284 canals will be fixed using state government funds. Additionally, 279 canals will be restored with help from NABARD. Over the past 20 years, a total of 4,487 small canals have already been repaired, and in the next five years, another 1,961 small canals are planned to be restored.
Secondly Haryana will use ₹900 crore from the World Bank will be to set up water-saving irrigation systems, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation, on 70,000 acres of farmland. These systems will help farmers use water more efficiently and make farming more sustainable.
Third to tackle waterlogging, Haryana will build drainage systems on 2 lakh acres of land where excess water harms crops. Farmers will also be encouraged to adopt better farming methods, such as growing different types of crops, using direct seeding for rice, and following water-saving practices. The World Bank will provide ₹886 crore to support these initiatives.
Fourth in southern Haryana, 80 new water bodies will be created to store rainwater and help recharge groundwater. Treated wastewater from sewage plants in Jind, Kaithal, and Gurugram will also be reused to irrigate 28,000 acres of farmland, reducing the need to use fresh water.
Once the project is completed, all canals in Haryana will be fully repaired and lined, making them efficient for at least 25 years. Irrigation will be available for an additional 2 lakh acres of farmland, and farmers will face less damage from waterlogging. At the same time, more fresh water will be saved and reserved for drinking instead of being used for irrigation.
The project will help Haryana to encourage small and medium businesses (MSMEs) to use cleaner technologies. It will promote machines and methods to manage agricultural waste and make productive use of paddy stubble instead of burning it.
The Chief Minister said this project will bring a big change in how Haryana manages its water and will help provide safe and sustainable water for future generations. He encouraged farmers to use micro-irrigation for paddy farming, as it saves water, improves crop yields, and reduces problems caused by flooding in the fields.
