MP Bidyut Mahato meets Union Jal Shakti Minister to push for the urgent resumption of Murakati canal construction, aiming to aid East Singhbhum farmers.
JAMSHEDPUR – MP Bidyut Baran Mahato recently had a crucial meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi, discussing the imperative need to recommence the Murakati branch canal construction under the Subarnarekha project.
This step is crucial for farmers in East Singhbhum district who have been facing serious irrigation issues due to the pause in construction.
Mahato brought to attention the unfortunate decision of State Government’s Water Resources Department engineers to stop the canal construction originating from Kharkhai Dayi. This suspension affects 74 villages, including Musabani, Dumariya, Jaduguda, and Potka, resulting in setbacks for the farmers living there.
Significant funds have already been put into different parts of the project, with 500 crore rupees designated for Ganjia Barrage construction and an additional 600 crores for the Kharkhai Main Dayi Canal.
However, the lack of progress on the Murakati Canal has hampered irrigation facilities, impacting local farmers adversely.
During the discussion, Mahato highlighted the repercussions of the delayed canal construction on farmers’ livelihoods and agricultural operations.
He also noted that the Central Government fully funds the project, meaning any changes made by the state government could be politically driven and unauthorized.
In response to Mahato’s concerns, Minister Shekhawat promised his commitment to farmers’ welfare, vowing to rejuvenate the entire scheme and ensure the farmers’ interests are protected. He pledged to instruct officials to act accordingly and urged the state government to restart the Murakati canal construction swiftly.
