Nangal Hydel Canal completes 71 years of uninterrupted operation

The Nangal Hydel Canal, which draws water from the Nangal Dam and supplies it to the Malwa region of Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan, completed 71 years of uninterrupted operation on Tuesday. Since its inception in 1954, the canal has maintained a continuous water supply without being stopped even for a single day.

According to sources, the canal has been maintained by Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

Interestingly, it has also been the site of dharnas organised by the Punjab government against the release of extra water to Haryana from the Bhakra Dam projects.

Chief Engineer of Bhakra Dam, CP Singh, told The Tribune that while the life of concrete-lined canals is between 40 to 45 years, the Nangal hydel canal has been carrying water continuously for the past 71 years, owing to quality construction and regular upkeep. BBMB staff carry out lining of the canal whenever water discharge is reduced due to decreased demand from partner states.

Another interesting aspect of the canal is that its carrying capacity has not reduced. The canal still has a carrying capacity of 12,500 cusec as it had at the time of inception.

“The Nangal hydel canal is undoubtedly one of the best-maintained canals in the entire country,” Singh said.

However, he also expressed concerns about the future maintenance of the canal.

“The structure is aging, and we are facing a shortage of skilled staff. Many workers are retiring, and new replacements have not been made. The irrigation department at BBMB is facing acute shortage of staff,” he said.

Nangal hydel canal runs 64.4 km from Nangal to Ropar. Thereafter, it is known as the Bhakra main line canal, which is maintained by the irrigation department of Punjab till the state borders, and by the irrigation departments of Haryana and Rajasthan in their respective jurisdictions.

The Nangal Dam and the canal system were completed by 1954, and the power generation at Ganguwal and Kotla had started in 1955 and 1956, respectively. Over the decades, the Nangal hydel canal has made a remarkable contribution in socio-economic development of this region.

BBMB officers and staff celebrated the canal’s 71 years of completion yesterday. The officials said that it can be truly called a harbinger of green, white and industrial revolutions in northern India.

Haryana Tribune