Water reserved for drinking purpose, farmers agitate for summer irrigation

Ahmedabad

Though Chief Minister Anandiben Patel had announced it well-in-advance in October last year that the government would not be able to supply irrigation water in upcoming summer due to insufficient rain in previous monsoon, the Congress party tries to provoke farmers through small-time agitations across the state demanding irrigation water from canal for summer crop.

The State of Gujarat had insufficient rain last year and even before that. The State Government had clearly instructed farmers that they should cultivate summer crop only if they can arrange water for it. The government would not be able to share water for summer irrigation as whatever water is left in dams has to be reserved for drinking purpose.

As per last figures, the dams in Saurashtra has only 11% water left. If this much of volume is not reserved for drinking purpose, and suppose even next monsoon also is below normal, there can be crisis of water.

But putting this common sense aside, Congress party is trying to provoke the farmers to create a situation of BJP govt vs farmers.

Couple of days back a pocket in Banaskantha district of north Gujarat witnessed road blockade by farmers seeking irrigation water supply. Yesterday Congress held similar agitation at Talaja in Bhavnagar district seeking irrigation water supply from Shetrunji dam. There was a long queue of vehicles due to this agitation on highway. Police had to can charged the farmers aka Congress workers to clear the traffic. In response to this farmers pelted stones on police men. Police Sub Inspector of Gadu and 7 Congress workers were injure and taken to medical facility. Later farmers presented memorandum to Deputy Collector.

Irrigation water supply to command area of Shetrunji irrigation project was stopped last week. Farmers want continuance of supply for their ground nut and other summer crops.

During a public meeting of farmers, two farmers stood up and showed pesticide bottles in their hands. They threatened to consum it if demands not accepted. Others attending the meeting snatched away bottles from their hands.

Meanwhile Additional District Collector Chaudhary has issued prohibitive order against water lifting from Narmada, Mahi, Shetrunji, other river, tanks, dams, basin area well/bore well.

– DeshGujarat