Bahalda: Even as the farmers struggle to save their crops due to scanty rainfall in various parts of Mayurbhanj district, vast tracts of farmlands in the lower end of Nesa minor irrigation project under Bahalda block are allegedly deprived of water facility.
The farmers warned that they would go ahead with protests in the coming days if no immediate step is taken to release water from the dam.
According to reports, the Nesa minor irrigation project was set up at a cost of Rs 1.41 core in 1979 near Gidighati-Haladibani with an aim of conserving the overflowing water of river Nesa and use for irrigation purpose when required.
Farmers alleged that the project has not been useful for them as water is not being released through canals when they need it.
Though the farmers have been drawing attention of the authorities, no step is being taken to sort out the issue, they alleged.
Bahalda is a raid-fed area and when there are insufficient rainfalls, the dam used to be handy for the famers. The dam is capable of providing irrigation to 1,250 hectares of land in Kharif season and 370 hectares in Rabi season.
Apart from the main canal, a minor and a sub-minor canal with a total span of 23.542 km have been built to supply water from the dam.
Locals alleged that lakhs of rupees are being spent on the canal for repair and restoration every year, but the project fails to deliver for the irrigational needs of farmers.
Pani Panchayats have been formed for the proper management and judicious use of water but they too turned ineffective, they rued.
Jhadagaon, Indakholi, Kanki, Bagdoga, and several other villages are on the lower end of the dam. Farmlands are supposed to avail of water aplenty, but not a drop of water is available here, said the farmers.
They said that paddy is the main source of livelihood. Farmers raise crops by taking loans from banks or private lenders. They meet all their needs from agriculture. If the paddy harvest is not up to the mark due to the shortage of water from the dam, farmers will lose their hopes, they added.
“Our crop is going to ruin due to the lack of water,” said Daman Mohant and Biseswar Mohant, farmers from Kanki village.
Motilal Mohant, member of Pani Panchayat-3, warned that roads will be blocked and protests will be conducted in the coming days if the authorities do not ensure water to their farmlands.
It was learnt that if water is not released, crops in 900 acres of land will be affected. PNN