Umerkote: Farmers from Dargaguda area in Nabarangpur district have expressed unhappiness over a contractor drawing water from an irrigation canal for road construction works.
Since usage of water from irrigation canal in non-irrigation purposes is unlawful, the farmers have demanded action against the contractor.
For agricultural activities in Dargaguda area, water from Bhaskel Dam was released into the canal December 11. The canal is still getting water from the reservoir and farmers are drawing water from the canal to irrigate their farmlands.
At present, the Works Department is constructing Umerkote-Raighar road. The farmers have alleged that the contractor engaged in the road construction work takes water from the canal in tankers to his construction site.
“In past, the dam authorities would seize farmers’ motors whenever they would find them being used for pumping water to farmlands. But now they are not taking any action against the said contractor for his broad daylight water pilferage,” rued the distraught farmers.
When asked, Umerkote Works Department SDO Santosh Patra said that the contractor should never use canal water in road construction work. He will be asked to refrain from such practice.
Meanwhile, Bhaskel Irrigation Department SDO Niranjan Sahu said he was not aware of the contractor using the canal water in road construction work. “If he is doing so, the matter will be taken up with the Umerkote tehsildar. Besides stringent action will be taken against the contractor and all his equipment will also be seized,” Sahu added.
PNN
