Karnal: Erosion of canal slope raises concerns among farmers

Parveen Arora

Tribune News Service

Karnal, August 11

Tension gripped farmers as the slope of the augmentation canal between Kulvehri and Subhri villages near a bridge started eroding after the water was released in the canal on Sunday morning.

Farmers fear potential breach in the slope, which could lead to a flood-like situation in their fields. However, the authorities of the Irrigation Department along with agency working on the remodeling of the augmentation canal pressed heavy machinery, including JCBs and poclain machines to address the fault. As per officials, the length of the eroded stretch was around 15 feet. They claimed that the situation was under control and there is no need for worry.

“Our SDO, along with officials of the agency working on the remodeling of the augmentation canal, have fixed the eroded slope. There is no threat of breach in the slope. During the construction, the release of water is a part of the contract with the agency working on the project,” said Manoj Kumar, XEN, Irrigation Department.

Farmers alleged that erosion in the slope of the canal had raised questions on the quality of work. The authorities should ensure quality. “Erosion started in the morning when the water was released in the canal. The work is still pending, so water should have not been released. It could lead to a flood-like situation. The authorities should ensure speedy work and water should be released only after completion of work,” said a farmer.

The remodeling project of the augmentation canal from Haimda head in Yamunanagar to Picholia head on the Western Yamuna Canal in Karnal is aimed at increasing the canal’s capacity from 4,500 cusecs to 6,000 cusecs to ensure additional water discharge to the southern districts of the state.

The canal’s remodeling covers a total length of 75.25 km, with approximately 20 km falling within Yamunanagar district and around 55 km in Karnal district, spanning from Indri to Munak. The project involves the reconstruction of 71 structures, including 51 bridges, 14 cross-drainage works, railway bridges, two escapes and head and tail regulators.

Officials said the remodeling would also reduce seepage losses, conserving water for irrigation purposes.

The project is already facing delay in completion. Despite its significance, the project has faced several setbacks. Work on the canal was stalled for months due to litigation and delays in securing the necessary 110 hectares of land for afforestation.

Under the budget of NABARD, the project, costing around Rs 490 crore, was allotted in April 2021, but two agencies went to the high court and challenged the allotment of tender. Later, the work was allotted in April 2022 to an agency and it was to be completed by December 31, 2023, and later the deadline was extended to the end of June 2024.