The Uttar Pradesh government has cleared a major irrigation upgrade with the approval of 95 new canal restoration and strengthening projects worth ₹394.53 crore. Announced after a high-level review chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the initiative aims to revitalise the state’s ageing irrigation network, restore water flow across 36,000 hectares, and directly benefit nearly nine lakh farmers. Officials said the move is part of a broader push to secure water availability for agriculture and enhance rural livelihoods.
The newly sanctioned works focus on removing long-pending gaps in the existing canal system and improving the efficiency of water distribution across key agricultural regions. The project package includes the construction and repair of essential hydraulic structures such as head regulators, cross regulators, siphons and falls, all of which play a crucial role in maintaining water flow and pressure. Strengthening of internal and external canal sections, along with lining, filling and rejuvenation of damaged reaches, is also planned to reduce water loss and improve conveyance efficiency.
Infrastructure rehabilitation forms another major component of the plan. The government has approved the rebuilding of old culverts, bridges and associated structures, alongside the installation of kerbs on canal tracks to enhance accessibility for monitoring and maintenance teams. Additional works include the renovation of inspection buildings, office structures, watermills and boundary walls, which will help safeguard departmental property and ensure smoother operational management.
Farmers across Purvanchal, Terai, Bundelkhand and western Uttar Pradesh are expected to gain maximum benefit from the strengthened canal network. These regions, which often face challenges of uneven irrigation and reliance on monsoon patterns, will see improved and reliable water access. Officials believe this will directly support better crop planning, higher yields and a more stable rural economy, especially for small and marginal farmers.
The government has placed strong emphasis on timely completion and high-quality execution. All departments involved have been instructed to adhere strictly to prescribed timelines and quality standards during construction and restoration works. In addition, the state intends to protect nearly 273 hectares of departmental land along canal routes and has directed authorities to survey unused plots for potential productive use in the future.
During the review, the Chief Minister also instructed the irrigation department to prepare a comprehensive flood-management plan for the upcoming year, highlighting the need for proactive water governance. With the launch of these 95 projects, Uttar Pradesh aims to modernise its irrigation infrastructure, reduce water stress in rural areas and strengthen its long-term agricultural growth trajectory.