Farmers stated that the irrigation department shuts the left and right bank canals for maintenance and repair every year from December 1 to January 31. Last year the farmers had demanded that the canal be shut for only 55 days and it was agreed upon by the irrigation department. However, this time around due to Gujarat assembly elections, the department decided to shut the canals from December 18 to February 15, 2018
According to farmers, the paddy crop will be affected in south Gujarat, including Surat, as the irrigation water will not be available to them during the planting season, which starts from January-end. The paddy crop has the harvesting period of 120 days and late supply of irrigation water would cause huge losses to the farmers in the region.
Khedut Samaj Gujarat (KSG) has asked the irrigation department to review its decision on shutting the canals for 60 days till February 15, 2018, or else the farmers will hit the streets.
KSG president Jayesh Patel told TOI, "It was highly objectionable on the part of irrigation department to delay the shutting period of canals due to assembly elections. The delayed shutting of canals would mean huge financial loss to farmers of south Gujarat."
Patel added, "The irrigation department deliberately delayed the shutting of canals for repair work because of political motives. The irrigation department has to supply irrigation water for 171 days as per rotation, which it is not doing."
A senior officer from the irrigation department said, "The canals need to be shut for maintenance and repairs. Things got delayed due to Gujarat elections, but we hope to complete the repairs at the earliest."
by via Surat News, Latest Surat News Headlines & Live Updates - Times of India
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