Important Facts of the News
- Celebration will mark 100 years since the construction of Ganganahar.
- Events will be held from 5 December 2025 to 26 October 2027.
- Ceremony will begin in Ferozepur and conclude at Shivpur Head in Sri Ganganagar.
- Bikaner, Churu, Hanumangarh and Sri Ganganagar will host major programs.
- Individuals who contributed significantly in various fields over the century will be honored.
- 100 persons born between 1927 and 2027 and who contributed to the region will be felicitated in Hanumangarh.
- 100 natives who achieved recognition outside the region will be honored in Bikaner.
- In Churu, 100 farmers who adopted innovative agricultural techniques will be recognized.
- A commemorative publication will be released highlighting developmental history related to the canal.
- Committees have been formed at state and division levels to oversee the events.
Overview
The Bikaner division is set to host a series of events to observe 100 years since the construction phase of Ganganahar was completed. The commemoration will take place from 5 December 2025 to 26 October 2027. The initiative is supported by Union Minister of Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal, who chaired the first preparatory meeting at the divisional commissioner office in Bikaner.
Historical Background
The foundation of Ganganahar was laid on 5 December 1925 in Ferozepur by the then Maharaja Ganga Singh of Bikaner. The construction was completed on 26 October 1927. At the time of inauguration, notable figures including Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya and Lord Irwin were present at the Shivpur Head location in Sri Ganganagar where a grand gathering took place.
Importance of Ganganahar
Ganganahar has played a defining role in transforming regions such as Sri Ganganagar, Hanumangarh, Bikaner and Churu. The canal enabled agricultural expansion and contributed to creating a productive belt, leading to improvements in both farming and industry. This growth opened pathways for overall socio-economic development across the division.
Program Structure
The centenary celebration will begin in Ferozepur with a state-level inauguration ceremony. A commemorative volume will be released to document the canal’s contribution and the developmental journey of the region. Public programs will take place in every mandi and town to share information about the benefits and legacy of Ganganahar. Inputs from residents will be collected to prepare a developmental roadmap for the coming century.
Recognition Events
The plan includes honoring 100 individuals born between 1927 and 2027 who made noteworthy contributions while living in the region, at a ceremony in Hanumangarh. A separate event in Bikaner will recognize 100 persons originally from the area who earned distinction in various fields across the nation or abroad. Additionally, in Churu, 100 farmers who introduced innovative agricultural practices will be awarded.
Closing Ceremony
The final event of the centenary celebration will be conducted on 26 October 2027 at the Shivpur Head in Sri Ganganagar and will be observed as a tribute to a century of governance and development associated with the canal.
Administrative Arrangements
A state-level committee led by the Additional Chief Secretary of the Water Resources Department has been formed to oversee the celebrations. At the divisional level, the commissioner will lead a coordinating body including district collectors, police superintendents and senior water resource officials. A panel of three subject experts will guide planning and execution.