Chandigarh: The Rs 5,700-crore World Bank-funded ‘Water Secure Haryana’ project has picked up momentum with work commencing on the preparation of the detailed project report (DPR). The irrigation and water resources dept has invited expressions of interest from agencies to prepare the DPR, along with detailed cost estimates for proposed works. Applications will be shortlisted by February 23, after which the DPR will be drafted. Tenders for execution will be floated based on the final report.Approved by the World Bank, the project—spread across 2026 to 2032—aims to modernise Haryana’s water infrastructure through large-scale canal upgrades, micro-irrigation expansion, drainage network strengthening, groundwater recharge, and reuse of treated wastewater.
A key component is the restoration of the state’s remaining 678 canals out of 1,570, to be completed within five years. This includes 115 canals to be revived with Rs 2,325 crore in World Bank support, 284 canals with Rs 2,230 crore from the state budget, and 279 canals with Rs 2,880 crore through NABARD. Canal minors under MICADA will also be taken up, with plans to restore 1,961 of them. Of these, 400 minors will be covered with Rs 450 crore in World Bank funds, 1,500 minors with Rs 1,250 crore from the state, and 61 minors with Rs 402 crore via NABARD.The project also envisages expanding micro-irrigation systems across nearly 70,000 acres at a cost of Rs 900 crore, and resolving long-standing waterlogging through tubewell-based and surface drainage networks over about 2 lakh acres. Crop diversification, direct-seeding of rice, and other water-efficient practices will be promoted, supported by Rs 886 crore in World Bank assistance.To strengthen groundwater recharge, around 80 new water bodies will be created in southern Haryana. Treated water from four major STPs in Jind, Kaithal and Gurugram will be reused for irrigating approximately 28,000 acres, backed by Rs 600 crore in World Bank funding.Chief minister Nayab Saini, chairing a meeting with officials on January 24, had said the initiative — formally termed the ‘Jal Sanrakshit Haryana’ project — marks a “paradigm shift” in the state’s water management approach. He noted that 892 canals and 4,487 minors have already been restored over the past two decades, and the new project will ensure full restoration of the state’s canal network.On completion, all canals will be fully lined and modernised, with infrastructure expected to operate efficiently for the next 25 years without major restoration needs. Irrigation coverage will expand by 2 lakh acres, freshwater will be conserved for drinking use, and farmers in waterlogged areas will get long-awaited relief.Saini said the programme would be a milestone in making Haryana water-secure and reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring a safe, inclusive and sustainable water future for coming generations.
