In Punjab's kinnow-growing regions of Fazilka and Muktsar, orchard owners are experiencing distress due to a 10-day suspension of canal water supply amid a severe heatwave with temperatures nearing 45°C. The Punjab water resources department ordered the closure of the Abohar branch of the Sirhind feeder canal for cleaning, which farmers believe should have been scheduled earlier. They rely on canal water for irrigation, as saline groundwater is unsuitable for their crops. Orchard owner Ajay Wadhwa highlighted the urgent need for water, stating that kinnow trees require irrigation every two to three weeks. Farmers affiliated with the BKU (Rajewal) have urged local authorities to reconsider the shutdown, emphasizing the critical timing for their crops. Despite assurances from Punjab's Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding additional water supply, the current situation has left farmers anxious about the health of their orchards and vegetable crops. Local officials acknowledged the necessity of cleaning the canals but stressed the importance of ensuring adequate water supply during this crucial period.