Gujarat: Polls to derail water conservation drive, fear farmers

A provision in the Model Code of Conduct that says that no work should begin after the announcement of elections has raised fears among farming and rural community that 'Jalsanchay Abhiyan' or the drive to conserve rainwater will also not begin till the Code is in place. An order by the Office of Chief Electoral Officer in the state specifically mentions that even if the work order has been issued, such works cannot begin.

"We are facing one of the worst droughts. It is extremely necessary that we make more check-dams, deepen ponds so that maximum rainwater is conserved during Monsoon. This activity needs to be completed ahead of the rainy season. However, the order mentions that work cannot start even if the work order is issued. There will be a number of works to harvest rainwater that cannot be initiated because of this provision," said Atul Patel, president of Gujarat Khedut Hitrakshak Samiti.

Voting will be held on April 23 in Gujarat, which means no work will be carried out for about a month and a half. "While the intention behind the Code is fair but stopping all the work for over a month means a significant time will be lost. This is a serious issue. The government should raise it with the Election Commission and press that these works need to be completed before Monsoon," said Sagar Rabari, founder president of Gujarat Khedut Ekta Samiti. This is the second year in succession where acreage winter crop will fall and agricultural production will also drop. Moreover, most dams, especially in water scare regions of Saurashtra and Kutch are on the verge of drying and efforts are on to refill them using Narmada waters. Rabi crops in many parts of state are in dire need was canal water.

A senior official, DNA talked to, in the Revenue Department said that since it is critical to finishing water conservation works on time, and these cannot be started because of the Code of Conduct, the issue will be promptly be raised with the Election Commission. "Since the work has been approved, the budget has been allocated and even work orders issued, there should be no problem in starting these works but we will seek clarity from the Election Commission," said the official.