Wai farmers hit as Jallakshmi irrigation pipeline leaks for years, Swapnil Gaikwad blames Irrigation Dept
Swapnil Gaikwad says the Jallakshmi scheme's pipeline and valves in western Wai are leaking and unrepaired, wasting water meant for farmers.
The pipeline of the Jallakshmi irrigation scheme, described as the lifeline of western Wai, has been leaking at several points for years. Swapnil Gaikwad has asked whether the leakage will at least be stopped this year. He says the pipeline is leaking, valves are faulty and repairs are not done on time, wasting thousands of litres of water.
Gaikwad alleged that farmers in the western part are paying the price for the Irrigation Department's neglect. He made sharp remarks about the department's functioning.
The scheme is considered vital for farming in Vyahali, Kusgaon, Eksar and Pasarni. Agriculture is practised on a large scale in the area. Water from the scheme provides direct irrigation and also helps raise the water level in wells. Proper management of the scheme and strict use of the available water are therefore necessary.
According to Gaikwad, the pipeline has had leaks at various places for many years. At some places valves are faulty, and because they are not maintained and repaired on time, a great deal of water runs off. As a result, farmers in these villages are not getting the full benefit of the scheme.
Water reserves in the western part are comparatively plentiful, so the leakage was not taken seriously earlier. But given the changing rainfall pattern and the drought-like conditions of last year, every drop of water is now precious. Irrigation water being lost merely because of poor management and lack of repairs is unacceptable to anyone.
It is essential that the scheme's water reaches Vyahali, Kusgaon, Eksar and Pasarni at full strength. If the leaks are stopped immediately and the necessary repairs to the pipeline and valves are carried out, farmers could get major support for irrigation. It could also have a good effect on well water levels.
Farmers are angry because, despite questions being raised repeatedly about the scheme's shortcomings, no lasting remedy has been found. Gaikwad warned that if repairs are not done on time this year too and the wastage continues, western Wai, which lies along the Krishna, could face a serious water shortage in future.
Gaikwad said he would press the government to have the Jallakshmi irrigation scheme repaired immediately. He said he would also press for responsibility to be fixed on the officials and employees concerned who were negligent in maintaining and repairing the scheme, and for appropriate action against them.
