Protesters open canal gates in Muktsar dist

Muktsar, August 13

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Irate over the shortage of canal water supply, a large number of farmers on Sunday evening forcibly opened the water regulator gates of a canal headworks at Sotha village here and started the supply to the Arniwala minor, which also supplies water to the Abohar branch minor.

The supply was stopped in the canal under the rotational canal closure system adopted by the Irrigation Department to meet the high demand of water during the ongoing paddy crop season.

Further, some farmers have started water-lifting pumps along the Sirhind Feeder canal to supply water to their fields and that, too, against the rotational closure orders issued by the department.

Irrigation Department officials have started a protest outside the department’s office at Abohar, demanding police action against the farmers and security for themselves. Mukhtiar Singh, Executive Engineer, Irrigation Department, said, “Nearly 300 farmers gathered at the Sotha canal headworks on Sunday and opened the water regulator gates of the Arniwala minor. It was closed under the rotational supply programme. The canal was carrying water full to its capacity till Saturday. Still these farmers violated the department’s order, threatened the gateman and a junior engineer (JE), opened the water gates and started supply. We have demanded action against the farmers.”

An application was given to the DC, who has further marked it to the SSP. The SSP has assured us of action, but our staff members have started a protest in this regard. They feared for their lives. If the farmers’ action causes a breach in any canal then who will be responsible for it?” added Mukhtiar Singh.

Meanwhile, Ashok Kumar, SHO, Sadar police station, Muktsar, said, “A case is being registered against Manpreet Singh of Telupura village and 50-60 unidentified persons in this regard.” A visit to Gurusar and neighbouring villages in Gidderbaha revealed that water-lifting pumps were working along the Sirhind Feeder and supplying water to other villages through irrigation channels. The Executive Engineer said, “We are regularly keeping a watch on such activities of farmers.” — TNS