MLA Bhongle seeks urgent repair of three Dhaba-Hiwara canals, writes to Zilla Parishad

MLA Devrao Bhongle has demanded urgent repair of three major canals to strengthen irrigation from the tanks in the Dhaba-Hiwara forest area of Gondpipri tehsil. In a letter to the executive engineer of the Zilla Parishad's minor irrigation department, he sought repair of the canals, removal of silt and murum, concreting at places where it is needed, and the start of work before summer.

The tanks in the area were built about 30 to 34 years ago. They directly irrigate nearly 2,000 hectares of farmland. The three canals are vital for farmers of Dhaba, the middle belt and Hiwara.

According to the MLA's letter, the canals have not been properly maintained or repaired for about 35 years, and are in poor condition in many places. Because of drains, culverts and other obstructions, water does not reach the fields of tail-end farmers in the required quantity even when the tanks are full. This is making it hard to plan irrigation, and farmers are angry. If the canals are repaired, water wastage will fall and fields will get water more effectively.

To prevent losses to farmers, the letter calls for urgent repair of all three canals, concreting at places where it is needed, and raising the height of culverts. It also says the silt and murum should be removed from the tanks to increase their depth, and that canal repair and bunding are needed. He clarified that these steps would raise the tanks' storage capacity and the canals' carrying capacity together.

Bhongle said the farmers' irrigation problem is serious and needs immediate attention. He asked that administrative approval be given to the canal repair and silt and murum removal works, and that actual work begin before the coming summer. He has spoken to farmers, and a copy of the letter has also been given to Nilesh Pulgamkar, sarpanch of Hiwara.

Farmers in the area are now watching how the department responds to the demand and when work begins.