Water did not come even after 29 years of canal construction, farmers worried

Bhavnagar: Shetrunjya Irrigation Scheme Department had constructed a 35 feet deep canal in Mahuva taluk 29 years ago. However, even after 29 years water has not been found in this canal. That’s why farmers are in trouble now. The farmers are demanding that water be released into the canal or the land should be returned to the irrigation department.
Water not available even after 29 years: Mahuva taluka of Bhavnagar is at the forefront in onion cultivation. A canal as big as Narmada Canal was constructed in this taluk by Shetrunjay Irrigation Department in 1994 i.e. 29 years ago. Apart from Mahuva, farmers of villages like Sathra, Valavva, Taredi, Bhadrod, Vadli etc. were to benefit.

However, at the time of land acquisition, farmers raised their voice that they would not get water. Farmers also protested. However, after persuasion, land was acquired and the canal was constructed with the consent of the farmers. However, even after 29 years, water has not been released into this canal. Farmers do not get water for irrigation.
22 farmers did not get land compensation: 22 farmers of Taredi village of Mahuva did not even get compensation for land acquisition. This canal is currently in a dilapidated state. Wild animals live in it. Due to this wide canal, farmers have to walk 1 to 2 kilometers to reach their fields. That’s why farmers have become more strict now. He has demanded from the Irrigation Department to return the canal water or the land that went into the canal.

There has not been a single drop of water in this canal for 29 years since the land was acquired in 1994 on the condition of providing water. Wild animals live in the canals. Due to the canal, farmers have to walk one to two kilometers to reach their fields. If the irrigation department does not provide water then give us our land back…Bharat Singh Wala (Farmer leader, Bhavnagar)

Recently, a petition was filed by farmers living in Mahuva taluk to release the water or return their land as there is no water in the canal even after 29 years. At present we are investigating the place mentioned in the petition. The government will also be consulted on this issue…M. Like this. Badheliya (Irrigation Officer, Bhavnagar)