Farmers worried as water yet to be drained out of fields

A considerable stretch of agricultural land across several villages under the Meham sub-division remains waterlogged despite the installation of pumps to drain the accumulated rainwater. The situation has left farmers high and dry.

“The rainwater damaged my bajra and cotton crops, which were spread over 11 acres, more than four months ago. While water has been drained from six acres, the remaining land is still submerged, leaving me apprehensive about sowing the next wheat crop. Many other farmers in our village are facing a similar situation,” said Shamsher, a distressed farmer from Bhaini Chanderpal village.

Taking a serious note of it, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sachin Gupta -- along with officers of various departments -- today visited Bahalba, Bhaini Chanderpal, Bhaini Surjan, Saimaan, Bhaini Mato, Bhaini Maharajpur and Bhaini Bhairon villages.

He inspected the ongoing water drainage works in various villages under the Meham sub-division and directed officials to prepare open drain projects within 10 days to ensure a permanent solution to the problem of waterlogging. He emphasised that such measures should prevent recurrence of flooding in the future.

During his visit to Saimaan village, the DC took serious note of the issue of stagnant dirty water near the village water tank and directed the SDO (Public Health) at Meham to be charge-sheeted on the spot for negligence. He also directed the Executive Engineer of the Public Health Department to ensure the supply of clean drinking water to residents.

Gupta directed the officials to make immediate arrangements for draining out water from the agricultural fields of the villages. He instructed that the drainage should follow the natural flow of water, and wherever this flow has been obstructed, the culverts should be cleared to restore it. He further ordered that legal action be taken against anyone who opposes or hinders this process.

The DC emphasised that no individual should block the culverts or passageways along roads and pathways. He assured that the district administration would ensure complete drainage of water from all fields. He also issued directions for the removal of stagnant dirty water from the village pond in Saimaan.

Gupta also appealed to villagers to cooperate with the district administration in the drainage efforts so that wheat sowing could begin without further delay. He personally reviewed the situation at all drainage points and directed the Irrigation Department officials to take necessary measures to expedite the process.