Stop dams over Haaf, Agar proving to be a damp squib

Stop dams constructed over Haaf and Agar Rivers spending crores of rupees are proving to be damp squib in absence of maintenance and alleged irregularities. Most of the dams are lying in dilapidated condition, making it difficult for farmers to get water for irrigation. Ghoghra diversion under the Pandaria block was constructed in the year 2004 and its canal was completed in 2009. The villages benefitted are Madmada, Chhanta, Rohara, Charbhanta, Navapara, Dashrangpur, Palanasari, Raitapara, Paraswara and Mohgaon.

As per information, a huge amount of silt has blocked the diversion. In absence of cleanliness, the upper part of both the rivers and the dam has been levelled. The main reason behind this is reported that the river gate has not been opened and cleaning can only be done after opening it. The sources informed that the farmers could not get water for irrigation as the canal height is more than the required standard. All these reasons have resulted into making these dams useless and futile. Another Kilkila diversion, constructed near Kodwagodan, is also narrating the same story.

This diversion was meant to benefit farmers of Kodwagodan, Cheerpani and Jhingredongari but constructed at a height above the standards. The extra height does not allow the water to go into the canal, henceforth, the farmers do not get sufficient water for irrigation. A local resident Shatruhan Sahu informed that he had complained to higher authorities repeatedly, but to no avail. He further informed that as the canal height is more than the diversion, the water does not get into the canal rather goes back to the river. If sources are to be believed, there are many dams under construction at Kuba Khurd, Baniya Kub and Khamariya in the block.

Despite that the amount for their construction has already been sanctioned, the work is left incomplete while there is no authority to look after. The canal construction has not even started. The delay in construction is turning the dams into dilapidated condition. If situation remains same, the dams will be left of no use. Reportedly, the dilapidated dams are the result of alleged irregularities by the officials of Irrigation department.

The dams have not been constructed up to the standards and turned useless. The alleged irregularities are not helping farmers but benefitting the contractors and the departmental officials. Now, it is very important for the administration to take concrete steps regarding construction of quality dams so that it can help farmers in irrigating their lands rather than putting them in trouble. Talking to ‘The Hitavada’, Sub Divisional Officer of Pandaria Irrigation department ML Naag said that some of the works have been completed while some are under progress over Agar River. After submitting the estimate, the construction of canals will soon be started, he added.