Introduction

The Phina Singh Canal project in Nurpur,
Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh, stands as a beacon of hope for the
region’s agricultural community. Initially envisioned in 2011, the
project aims to revolutionize local farming by providing reliable irrigation to
4,025 hectares across 60 villages. After years of delays and cost
escalations, the project has recently been included under the Pradhan Mantri
Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY) — Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, renewing
optimism for its completion.

Project
Overview

The Phina Singh canal project was
conceptualized to interlink the Kalam Nullah and the Chakki River,
both tributaries of the Beas
River, through the construction of a concrete gravity dam on the Chakki
River. The project, now estimated to cost Rs 643 crore, includes a
30-kilometer-long tunnel designed to transport water from the dam to the
targeted agricultural areas.

Key
Features and Implementation

1. Infrastructure Development: The
   project involves the construction of a concrete gravity dam on the Chakki
   River and a 30-kilometer-long tunnel to channel water to farmlands. This
   infrastructure is critical to ensuring a steady water supply, particularly
   during dry spells, thus reducing dependency on monsoons.
2. Agricultural Impact: The
   completion of the Phina Singh Canal project is expected to significantly
   enhance agricultural productivity in the Nurpur region. By providing a
   reliable irrigation source, the project will enable farmers to cultivate
   their lands more efficiently, leading to increased crop yields and improved
   livelihoods.
3. Economic Benefits: The
   irrigation facilities provided by the canal are anticipated to boost the
   local economy. With better water availability, farmers can diversify their
   crops, potentially leading to higher incomes and a reduction in poverty
   levels in the region.

Challenges
and Delays

Despite its potential benefits, the Phina
Singh canal project has faced numerous challenges since its inception. The
project, which was originally estimated to cost Rs 204 crore, has seen
its budget swell to Rs 643 crore due to delays and cost overruns. Only 53% of
the work has been completed so far, with the state government having already
spent Rs 283.32 crore. The lack of funding from the Union Government in recent
years further stalled progress, but the recent inclusion under PMKSY brings new
hope.

Government
Intervention

The Union Government’s decision to include the
Phina Singh canal project under the PMKSY — Accelerated Irrigation Benefit
Programme marks a significant turning point. The Union Ministry of Water
Resources has urged the state government to adhere to the guidelines of the
PMKSY to expedite the project’s completion.

Future
Prospects

Looking ahead, the completion of the Phina
Singh canal project promises to transform the agricultural landscape of Nurpur.
With the expected construction of a hydroelectric project of 1.88 MW capacity
as part of the canal, the project also has the potential to contribute to the
region’s energy needs. The project’s success will not only ensure water
security for thousands of farmers but also foster economic growth in Kangra
district.

Conclusion

The Phina Singh canal project is more than
just an irrigation initiative; it is a lifeline for the farmers of Nurpur. Its
successful completion under the PMKSY scheme will not only enhance agricultural
productivity but also uplift the socio-economic conditions of the local
population. As the project moves forward with renewed support from the Central
Government, there is a collective sense of optimism that the long-awaited
benefits will soon materialize, ushering in a new era of agricultural
prosperity in Himachal Pradesh.