Farmers repair canal themselves against government negligence

In Baluntri village of the Vav Tharad region, farmers expressed strong resentment against the negligence of the government administration and took up the repair of the water canal themselves, according to a report by Sandesh.

Farmers of Baluntri village had been facing difficulties for a long time due to canal issues. Due to the lack of cleaning and breaches in the canal, irrigation water was unable to reach the tail-end farms. Keeping in view the essential need for irrigation water, local farmers had made repeated representations to the concerned officials for the cleaning and repair of the canal. The farmers had demanded that repairs be undertaken at the earliest, but no action was taken by the administration.

Due to this indifferent policy of the officials, the troubles of the farmers continued to increase. Finally, leaving behind their helplessness and without waiting for government aid, the farmers of Baluntri village decided to take to the field themselves. The farmers united and began the repair and cleaning work of the canal with their own tools. Adopting the slogan 'Long live self-effort', the farmers completed the repair of the entire canal. This voluntary labour undertaken by the farmers, instead of remaining dependent on the administration, is being praised in the surrounding areas. A video of the work carried out by the farmers is also currently going viral on social media.

It is noteworthy that due to the effect of El Nino this year, a major decline in rainfall has been observed. Rainfall has been particularly low in Saurashtra, Kutch, and North Gujarat. To save their crops, farmers are demanding water from the government and representations are being made to provide Narmada water.