A repeated failure of canal infrastructure has once again brought distress to farmers in Hisar, Haryana. A breach in the embankment of the Balsamand minor canal led to extensive flooding of agricultural land, causing significant damage to standing crops.
Farmers Detail Recurring Losses and Allegations
Local cultivators Rahul, Balbir, and Dalbir reported the incident on Friday, stating that their fields were inundated after the canal's wall gave way. They revealed a troubling pattern of neglect, alleging that the canal has breached five to six times since its construction just four to five years ago. Each incident has resulted in severe crop loss and consequent financial hardship for the farming community.
Farmer leader Subhash Verma levelled serious accusations regarding the quality of the project. He claimed that serious irregularities were committed during the canal's construction, which stretches from Rawalwas to the Rajasthan border via Balsamand. Built at a cost of several crore rupees, its repeated failures point towards the possible use of substandard materials. Verma has demanded a thorough investigation into the matter to hold responsible parties accountable.
Demands for Action and Immediate Compensation
The farmers have presented clear demands to the state government and the canal department to prevent future disasters. Their primary requests include:
- Strengthening the canal embankments to withstand water pressure.
- Installing proper checkpoints and monitoring systems.
- Conducting regular inspections by deploying adequate manpower.
The immediate consequence of the latest breach is the destruction of wheat and mustard crops spread across nearly 30 acres of land. The affected farmers are urging the authorities to conduct a prompt assessment of the damage and disburse compensation without delay to help them recover from the losses.
A Call for Durable Infrastructure
This incident underscores a critical issue of public infrastructure failing those it is meant to serve. The recurring breaches of the Balsamand minor canal not only represent a waste of public funds but also a continuous threat to the livelihood of farmers. The community's plea is for durable, well-constructed irrigation works and a responsive system that prioritizes preventive maintenance and swift redressal.
