Cannal diversion a punishable act: Irrigation Minister

Lucknow, Jan 15 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Minister Naseemuddin Siddiqui today said every farmer should get sufficient water for his agricultural land and those involved in blocking cannal water would be dealt stringently.

Cannals used for irrigation purposes should bear sufficient water and if someone spotted diverting it, including officials of irrigation department, would be punished under Law of the state, Mr Siddiqui said in an official meeting.

He further instructed the officials to ensure regular supply of water to farmers and repair the damaged handpumps, besides installing the new ones.

Apprising about the new projects, he said the government had sanctioned Rs 1,700 crore for it's major and medium projects, which should be utilised to the fullest to benefit farmers.

The plateau region of Bundelkhad has limited irrigation facilities, thus, seven new projects would have additional irrigation capacity of 2.61 lakh hectare land.

The prime projects in the pipeline are Kachnauna Dam, Uthari Dam, Arjun Sahayak Poshak Nehar and Virat Sagar Dam.

The government had also sanctioned Rs 164 crore for installation and repair of handpumps, which should be utilised fairly, he instructed his officials.

UNI XC-PDM ATI SY BD1934