Plan massive agitation, say Maharashtra is the only state to have
re-defined its water priority in favour of industry before agriculture.
Water activists across the state have called for a massive agitation against the recent amendments in the Maharashtra Water Resources Regulation Authority (MWRRA) Act, 2005. The announcement was made at the state-level People’s Water Congress held in Pune on Friday.
Khastakari Kheskari Kamgar Party secretary, ND Patil, called the recent amendments brought forth in the MWRRA Act by the state government as illegal and contrary to the spirit of the Indian Constitution.
“In order to hide their misdeeds, the government has put in a clause saying the amendments in the law can’t be challenged in any court of law. This is against the fundamental rights of the Indian Constitution,” he said.
The state government had enacted various amendments in the MWRAA last month, which was criticised by many activists in the state. Some of the important amendments included scrapping of public consultation before diverting water allocation, giving second preference to industry for water allocation after drinking, and making the amendments immune from legal challenges.
Apart from Patil, Bharat Patankar of Shramik Mukti Dal, former MP Balasaheb Vikhe Patil and others were present. Farmers and activists from various parts of the state also attended the meet the congress.
Patil raised the issue of diversion of 83 TMC ft (thousand million cubic feet) irrigation water in the past for industries and urban development. “We don’t want any diversion of water and the government should stop pilfering water resources,” he said.
Activists pointed out how Maharashtra is the only state to have re-defined its water priority in favour of industry before agriculture.
They claimed that the state, with only 17% region under irrigation, was lagging behind the country’s average of 43%.
“In spite of this, it is strange that the government puts industry before agriculture,” said Patil, calling the changes in the Act illegal and asking for people’s movement to overturn the decision.
The activists are planning to hold rallies in every district to raise awareness about the amendments and press for its rollback. A massive agitation is planned in Mumbai soon.
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