Bharatsinh Solanki calls for de-notification of dark zones in Gujarat

Bharatsinh Solanki calls for de-notification of dark zones in Gujarat
By our correspondent
Delhi/Ahmedabad, DeshGujarat, 20 June, 2009



Shri Bharatsinh Solanki, Minister of State for Power has called for immediate intervention of the Water Resources Ministry over the issue of de-notification of the dark zone status of “over exploited” and “critical blocks” of the Gujarat State. In a letter to the Minister of State for Water Resources, he has pointed out that the “over exploited” and “critical blocks” across the State need to be de-notified immediately as the Government of Gujarat has sent a proposal for re-assessment on de-notification of the blocks where adequate measures have been taken to recharge the area through the process of water harvesting and water conservation. These blocks are as follows:

Over Exploited Blocks: Dascroi, Dholka-Distt. Ahmedabad, City-Deodar, Distt. Banaskantha, City-Dehgam, Gandhinagar, Kalol, Mansa Distt.-Gandhinagar, City-Mangrol, Distt.-Junagadh, City- Rapar, Bhachau, Mandvi Distt.-Kachchh, City –Becharaji, Kadi, Kheralu, Mahesana, Satlasana, Unjha, Vijapur, Visnagar Distt.-Mahesana, City- Chanasma, Patan Dishpur Distt.-Patan, City- Idar, Vadali Distt.-Sabarkantha, City-Vadodara, Distt.-Vadodara.

Critical Blocks: City-Derroj-Rampura, Distt. –Ahmedabad, City-Bhavnagar, Distt.- Bhavnagar, City- Manavadar, Vanthali, Distt.-Junagadh, City- Rapar, Distt.-Kachchh, City- Mehmdabad, Distt.-Kheda, City- Vadnagar, Distt.-Mahesana, City-Gondal, Distt. Rajkot, City-Modasa, Distt.-Sabarkantha.

The Minister has further requested that the whole process of de-notification should be done on priority basis, so that thousands of farmers could get their credit facilities from financial institutions immediately.

About dark zone

Dark zone status means the groundwater table in the area is much below the minimum desired level, and the water quality in the area is substandard. Govt has put restrictions on fetching groundwater in dark zone areas for farmers. In dark zone areas farmer can’t get bank loans or financial assistance for irrigation (to construct new wells or tube wells) and no new power connection is provided for agriculture. For establishing an industrial unit in the dark zone category area, it is necessary to obtain permission from the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA). In case the CGWA grants permission for the same, the state government raises no objection. But if farmers demand electricity connection for agriculture in the same area, it is not permissible because the Gujarat water resources department has placed a ban on such connection. In effect this means that the government has no objection to industries but only to farmers. The government has also not implemented any scheme in the area in order to bring up the groundwater table.

Saurasthra’s Manavadar and Vanthali talukas fall under dark zone category for the last 15 years. Dark zone status has halted the development process of these areas. According to local legislator, when the region was placed under the ‘dark zone’ category 15 years ago, the ground water-level was nearly 200 feet below the surface, but now, it is 50 feet below surface. “The farmers want to know, what are the rules and regulations for continuing the dark zone and till when will it continue?” legislator asks.

A survey for measuring the groundwater table in the dark zone areas is mandatory after every five years. Though the surveys were carried out in 1997, 2002 and 2008, their reports were not made public according to agitating farmers in Saurashtra.

Gujarat government’s latest stand

Last month, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi Speaking to farmers gathered at Dhoraji Taluka’s Krishi Mahotsav fair, had said via video conferencing that he would take up Dark Zone issue to centre and discuss it in-person with central Agriculture and Energy ministers.

Modi had said Gujarat’s farmers are now motivated for scientific agricultural practices such as drip irrigation. Years old electricity dark zone issue should be resolved now as it was meant for old agricultural practices. The state government has taken up dark zone issue with the centre several times. The state government has urged central government to carry out comprehensive study on dark zone issue. The central government should form a high level committee to review that provision of dark zone is needed or not.