Surat : Farmers in Olpad stare at Losses as Hazira Minor Canal Breach Delays Irrigation Water Release

Surat : Hundreds of farmers in the coastal villages of Olpad taluka are staring at potential crop losses due to a wide breach in the Hazira minor canal caused by underground pipeline laying work. The incident, which occurred during drilling for the Surat Municipal Corporation’s (SMC) project in Jahangirpura, has thrown the upcoming paddy planting season into disarray as farmers anxiously await irrigation water release.

Darshan Naik, a prominent farmer leader, has raised concerns about the plight of farmers in a letter addressed to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel. He accuses the SMC of negligence and criticizes the authorities for drilling the canal without proper permission and specifications. According to Naik, the lack of adherence to protocol has caused extensive damage to the canal, jeopardizing the crucial paddy planting season.

The breach has significantly delayed the release of irrigation water, raising fears of crop damage among farmers. Darshan Naik emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating, “There is a fear of crop damage as farmers will not get irrigation water on time due to the breach in the Hazira minor canal.” He demands legal action against the SMC authorities and contractors involved in the project for violating regulations and causing financial hardship to the farming community.

On Saturday, officials from the irrigation department visited the site and reprimanded the contractor and other personnel present. The extent of the damage and the timeline for repairs remain unclear, leaving farmers in a state of uncertainty as the summer season approaches.

This incident highlights the vulnerability of agricultural communities to infrastructure projects undertaken without due diligence and proper communication. The farmers’ concerns over potential crop losses and delayed planting underscore the need for stricter regulations and accountability measures to ensure responsible execution of such projects to minimize disruption to agricultural activities and livelihoods.ue to not getting irrigation water to the farmers’ crops in time and in sufficient quantity.