Farmers blame SAD leader for water theft
Sunday, 31/08/2014
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140831/punjab.htm#6
Patiala : Farmers in over a dozen villages in Devigarh and Sanaur areas are up in arms against the Irrigation Department. They allege they have not been getting regular water supply for their fields following widespread water theft. The farmers allege the culprits are close to a senior SAD leader.
The Irrigation Department officials alleged they were attacked whenever they went to check water theft. They accused the police of not taking action against the accused. The farmers said they would stage a dharna outside the Akali leader's house in Patiala if water theft was not stopped. They claimed the accused would steal water from Udaipur minor and Ghurram distributary.
Avtar Singh, a farmer from Sanaur, said, “A majority of the farmers who divert water to their fields are close to the senior SAD leader.”
Rajinder Singh, additional general secretary, Diploma Engineers Association, said, "One of our Junior Engineers was attacked and roughed up on August 18 when he reached the site to act against those stealing water. The police failed to take any action. An FIR was lodged when the association threatened to go on strike."
Sanaur SAD halqa in charge Tejinder Pal Sandhu claimed he had met the Senior Superintendent of Police several times on the issue, but to no avail.
Ghanaur MLA Harpreet Kaur Mukhmailpur blamed on the Irrigation Department officials.
Patiala Deputy Commissioner Varun Roojam said, “We will start a flag march against water theft in Devigarh from September 1.”
