26 canals unattended as staff goes on strike

Our Correspondent

Fazilka, June 30

As many as 26 canals in Fazilka division have been left unattended following a strike by “baildars” (grounds men) of the canal department. They are protesting the alleged police inaction against farmers who had “assaulted” employees and caused hindrance in discharging their duty about a month ago.

Nearly all 40 baildars proceeded on an indefinite strike and held a protest in the Canal Colony here today.

As a result of the strike, the maintenance work of canals has come to a standstill and there is a possibility of breach of canal in Fazilka segment. “Due to the strike, the department is not getting any feedback regarding the status of canals which are running to their full capacity as the sowing season is at its peak. The possibility of a breach in any canal cannot be ruled out,” said Executive Engineer, Eastern Canal Division, Ferozepur, Sukhvir Singh Mundi.

Union general secretary Harbans Singh alleged that some farmers had assaulted the baildars and a junior engineer when they were carving out some new water outlets approved by the department, on the Bandiwala distributary on May 30. The employees have alleged that the farmers also caused hindrance in discharging their official duty, snatched the instruments and abused them.

The Executive Engineer, Eastern Canal Division, Ferozepur, in a letter dated June 1, requested the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Fazilka, to take action against the farmers. Employees also met police officials to seek justice.

The employees alleged that nothing had been done in this regard as ruling party leaders were allegedly shielding the accused.

They have warned that they would continue the stir till their demand is met.