Water released into Mahi canal in Dhar; storage half of last year, farmers to get two irrigations

Water was released into the main canal on Wednesday, after a ceremonial launch, from the sub main dam of the Mahi project at Kalikarai in Dhar district's Sardarpur area. Rainfall was lower this time, so the dam holds only half the water it did last year. This will directly affect irrigation in the rabi season.

Farmers who depend on canals for cultivation may get water for irrigation only twice this time, instead of five times.

Prayers were offered before the canal was opened. Mahi project SDO HL Davar, Janpad Panchayat vice-president Rajendra Singh Rathore and Janpad member Narayan Maru attended, along with farmers and public representatives. After the prayers, the canal gates were opened and water was released.

Arrangements have been made so that water reaches farmers in the lower areas first. According to the department, the water is expected to reach Bhaisola, a village at the last end of Badnawar tehsil, by Thursday morning.

In figures, the Mahi dam held about 135 MCM of water last year. This year, because of low rain, storage has fallen to 68 MCM. That is, only about 50 per cent of last year's water is available.

On the basis of a decision by the water distribution committee, farmers are to be given irrigation water in two phases within a period of about 50 days. The irrigation schedule has also been prepared according to the water available.

The Mahi project canals irrigate about 6,000 hectares in Sardarpur and Badnawar tehsils. With less water, delivering it to farmers across the whole command area is a challenge for the department.

Water Resources Department Executive Engineer Vipin Patidar has appealed to farmers to sow crops that need less water. He said the available water should be used better so that irrigation water can reach the last end of the canal.

The department has also appealed to farmers to prevent wastage of water during irrigation and to help in curbing those who draw water illegally.