Farmers protest canal water theft

Our Correspondent

Fazilka, June 25

Farmers staged a protest on the banks of the Katehra minor canal against the theft of irrigation water on Monday. Farmers Pralad Kumar and Indraj said some affluent farmers had allegedly raised illegal water outlets and altered the size of the outlets.

The farmers said the Canal Department had decided to convert the Arniwala minor into Katehra minor. After the conversion, the department had ordered to plug temporary outlets which were allotted for special shoots of water but some of the farmers did not pay heed to the directions of the department.

The farmers also presented a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner demanding action against the affluent farmers who are allegedly stealing water through the outlets. They have also sought the completion of the remaining part of the Katehra minor canal.