Upper Wardha project really benefiting farmers?

Upper Wardha project really benefiting farmers?

WITH 28 per cent of the water storage in the Upper Wardha project  dam pledged to non-agricultural purposes. let us examine the condition of utilization of remaining water.

Political leaders wanting Upper Wardha project water from the project to be made available to farmers have exposed several aspects in this regard from time-to-lime. According to them, there was growth of vegetation in minor and main canals. At many places, Upper Wardha project work was in dilapidated condition. Water did not reach farms as grass and waste blocked canals. Canal lining was damaged at several places. Leakage and percolation led to wastage of water.

At various places, Upper Wardha project canal was at lower level than farms as a result of which farmers were unable to get water for irrigation. As far as actual irrigation was concerned, it was only 40.65 per cent of irrigation potential created.

Of course, off ons were made to form water users' associations involving farmers. As against target of 162. a total of 171 such associations were formed. However, as against target of Rs 1,83,64.300. recovery of water charges at the end of October 2012 was on  Rs 92,702 lakh, which was 50.48 per cent of the target of Upper Wardha project .