What the project is about
CHANDIGARH The Manohar Lal Khattar-led BJP government’s decision to scrap the Dadupur-Nalvi irrigation scheme by de notifying about 1,000 acres acquired for the project has warmed the political climate in Haryana. Leaders of opposition Congress and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) have gone all out to slam the government, holding public meeting sat Yam una na gar to protest against its “anti-farmer” move. HT takes a look at the contours of the scheme and why it failed.
WHAT IS DADUPURNALVI IRRIGATION SCHEME?
The Dadupur-Nalvi irrigation scheme was conceptualised in 1985 to recharge groundwater and provide canal irrigation in Yam una na gar, Ku ru ks he tr a and A mb ala districts. About 190 acres were initially acquired for the scheme.
WHEN DID THE PROJECT TAKE OFF?
The irrigation scheme was approved by the state government in October 2005. According to theproject report, 590 cusecs of surplus water from Dadupur complex was to be carried through Shah bad feeder and the project was to provide irrigation to 92,532 hectares, besides recharging of groundwater. A total of 1,019 acres was acquired for the project.
IMPLEMENTATION MODEL OF IRRIGATION SCHEME?
The scheme was to be completed in three phases. The first phase involving construction of 50-km Shahbad-Nalvi feeder and 24-km Shahbad distributory has been complete data cost of Rs 160 cr ore.
Under the second phase, the work for the revival of Saraswati river and Ra ks hi Na di, both having a capacity of 200 cu secs each, was taken up. The construction of Nalvi distributory was also undertaken and an expenditure of Rs 48 crore has been incurred so far. The construction work of the third phase, which included building 23 distributories and minors off-taking from the main canal, was deferred due to protests by farmers who do not want to give their land alleging that water would be available to them only during the rainy season when they do not require water.
NONIMPLEMENTATION OF THE THIRD PHASE
As minor sand distribution channels could not be built, the main canal remained non-functional. The benefits of irrigation to 92,532 hectares as envisaged in the scheme could not be derived.
WHY DID GOVT DECIDE TO DENOTIFY ACQUIRED LAND?
The rising cost of land due to enhancements ordered by the courts was the main reason for abandoning the project. Dissatisfied with the compensation, a large number of land owners filed cases of enhancement of compensation.
The Punjab and Ha ryan a high court in 2016 awarded compensation at the rate Rs 116 lakh per acre plus incidental charges. Thus an amount of Rs 566 crore will have to be paid to farmers for acquiring 167 acres. The state government did not find the scheme feasible and decided to abandon it.