Mustard cultivation in dam catchment area

Bhopal, Mar 14 (UNI) The Madhya Pradesh government today admitted in the Assembly that mustard was being cultivated by unidentified people in the catchment area of Shivpuri district's Madikhera dam and the government even collected revenue by allowing people to harvest it.

Water Resource Minister Anup Mishra made this revelation during discussion on a call attention notice moved by Mr Harivallabh Shukla (RSD).

Mr Mishra denied Mr Shukla's contention that 'dabangs' (musclemen) were forcibly harvesting mustard cultivated by poor tribals whose meagre holdings in 13 villages came under submergence.

Mr Mishra said that 'pattas' (title deeds) were not granted for cultivation in the catchment area. Since unidentified people took up cultivation of mustard over 475 hectares, the local administration impounded the crop. About 310 tribals were allowed to harvest the crop over 150 ha after collecting Rs 2,000 per hectare. Over 275 ha, farmers were allowed to harvest on payment of Rs 23.55 lakh, while tender process for harvesting 50 ha was in progress.

Mr Shukla alleged that irrigation officials, in collusion with muslemen from outside, were evicting tribals who staged a day-long sit-in at Shivpuri collectorate last month.

The Minister admitted that the police registered cases against unidentified persons following a clash over ownership of the standing crop.

UNI