In a strong and clear message of national solidarity, Punjab’s Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal on Friday emphasized that the state’s decision to supply water to Rajasthan for the Indian Army stems from a deep sense of national duty. He made it unequivocally clear that while Punjab stands in support of the armed forces, it will not allow any compromise on the rights and interests of its farmers.
Addressing the media during his visit to review developmental works in Lehragaga, Goyal said Punjabis have historically upheld a tradition of selflessness and service. “Extending water support to the Army in Rajasthan is a decision rooted in national interest. The people of Punjab have always risen above narrow politics when it comes to the integrity and security of the nation,” he said.
At the same time, Goyal took a firm stand against any perceived injustice in water-sharing arrangements. He criticized the BJP-led Central government for its alleged non-cooperation over the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) issue, accusing it of failing to adopt a balanced approach. He asserted that Haryana has not utilized its full share of water but continues to push for more. He warned that Punjab would not tolerate any coercive tactics, reiterating that 60 percent of BBMB’s funding comes from Punjab, and yet it continues to face systemic bias.
While reiterating Punjab’s support for the Army, the Cabinet Minister also took pride in India’s defence capabilities, lauding the Indian armed forces for surgical strikes against terrorist camps in Pakistan. He called the Army the “pride of the nation,” stating that Punjab is proud to contribute in every way possible to its strength and sustenance.
In Lehragaga, the minister also reviewed the progress of the long-awaited transformation of the ‘Ditch Drain’—a project that symbolizes the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government’s promise of grassroots development. Once a neglected stretch of filth running through the heart of the city, the drain is now being transformed into a modern promenade. Goyal informed that although the initial estimate for the project was ₹15 crore, prudent financial planning and departmental transparency brought it down to ₹12 crore, saving ₹3 crore for the public exchequer.
Highlighting the physical transformation, the Minister explained how the drain had once been surrounded by decaying homes and stagnant water, posing severe health and safety risks. Now, with two large 4.5-foot pipes installed to ensure smooth water discharge, the entire 3-kilometre stretch is being beautified. The project includes 15-foot-wide interlocking tiles, side grills, decorative grass, and plantation to convert it into a scenic walkway for the public. He added that maintenance will be ensured with a dedicated workforce.
Residents expressed joy and surprise at the change, noting that in over four decades, no attention had ever been given to the drain. Now, it has become a hub for morning and evening walkers, with many people visiting the spot regularly to witness the transformation. For a locality once resigned to apathy, the ongoing development has rekindled civic pride.
Barinder Kumar Goyal assured the public that the project would resolve the issue of rainwater accumulation in slum areas, which will now be directed properly through the upgraded drainage system. He reaffirmed that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government is equally committed to rural and urban development, and no effort will be spared to improve infrastructure and beautify public spaces in every part of Punjab.
Goyal was accompanied by SDM Lehragaga Suba Singh, senior engineers, local leaders, and members of the community who welcomed the project as a long-overdue improvement. The occasion also reflected the growing public appreciation of the AAP-led state government’s developmental push.
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