Act against those diverting canal water: Jakhar to state

Our Correspondent

Abohar, December 3

Leader of the Opposition Sunil Jakhar has slammed the state government for letting water be diverted from Malukpura distributary to Gurusar Jodha village of Lambi assembly constituency. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal represents the constituency.

He said the diverted water would irrigate 800 hectares owned by senior jathedars in the village. Jakhar, who had received several complaints from farmers of Balluana and Abohar constituencies, alleged more water had been diverted illegally through a link channel.

He resented that such gross violation of the Canal Act would affect cultivation over 45,000 hectares in Abohar sub-division. Jakhar further said Abohar farmers held protests in November 2009 when attempts were made to control the supply of water at the same place.

He said the water shouldn’t be diverted as the state had recently spent several crore rupees on cleaning sub canals to provide more water to villages in Abohar irrigation circle. Jakhar said the Chief Minister should stop favouring his close associates at the cost of other farmers.