Farmers here today took out a huge rally and organized a darna in front of the Superintendent Engineer of Irrigation’s office, protesting against ‘tardiness’ in carrying out Krishna Delta East canal modernization work. The farmers converged at the Swarajya Maidan ground and went to the irrigation office in rally. Later they squatted at the office, raising slogans against the government for it lackadaisical attitude in completing the modernization of east canal works. Addressing the farmers, farmer’s assciation president Chalalsani Anjaneyulu said the modernization of Krishna Delta East Canal work, was taken up at a cost of 206.45 crores in 2008. The work had to be completed by September, 2012, but even ten per cent of works had not been done so far.
The farmer’s leader lamented that the farmers were asked to give up second crop as irrigation canal to be closed to carry out works. The government assured to pay Rs 20,000 per acre as compensation to the farmers, but did not. Lakhs of farmers and agriculture labourers were affected with the closing of the East canal, he deplored. District water bodies president Srinivasa Rao explained that more than 1.20 lakh acres of land is being cultivated in Krishna and West Godavari districts, depending on East canal. He said at least 1200 cusecs of water is required for cultivation of fields but only 500 cusecs of water flowing in the canal. He demanded to complete the modernization work at the earliest and warned to launch a massive agitation, if the modernization work is not completed by three months. Later, the farmers submitted a memorandum to the superintendent Engineer, urging to take steps complete modernization work at the earliest. UNI