Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Feb 28: Maharashtra Water Resources Minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil has emphasized the urgent need to repair the Left Canal of the Jayakwadi dam, citing significant water leakage concerns. Speaking at a review meeting on irrigation projects in the Marathwada region ahead of summer, he highlighted the declining efficiency of the 208-km canal, which supplies water to Jalna and Parbhani districts and is crucial for irrigating nearly 1.81 lakh hectares of land.
The Left Canal, constructed nearly four decades ago, has suffered from deterioration, reducing its original capacity of 3,600 cusecs to just 1,800-2,000 cusecs, according to officials. While ongoing repair work on the Right Canal continues, Vikhe Patil acknowledged that the Left Canal demands more immediate attention due to water wastage, which is directly affecting irrigation-dependent communities.
"I have directed the department to conduct a study and submit proposals for repair work. The government will prioritize the necessary measures to restore its efficiency," the minister stated.
He also addressed the issue of unpaid water usage fees, which has hampered funding for repair projects. To tackle this, additional staff will be deployed for fee recovery, ensuring adequate financial resources for canal maintenance.
Additionally, Vikhe Patil discussed the proposed river-linking project aimed at diverting seven TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water from western Maharashtra to the Godavari river basin. The state government has sanctioned ₹64 crore for a feasibility study of the project, which is expected to enhance water availability in the region.
The minister’s announcements come at a crucial time as the Marathwada region braces for the summer months, with water conservation and efficient distribution remaining top priorities for the state administration.
Last updated by a enewsx: