WATER TO REACH THE TAIL-END OF THE CANAL:BHAI DINESH

WATER TO REACH THE TAIL-END OF THE CANAL:BHAI DINESH

12-AUG-ENG 5

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA-------------------------"Ensuring that farmers in the Jagdishpur Assembly constituency receive adequate water for irrigation—even at the lower reaches of the canal—has been, is, and will continue to be my priority. I am in constant contact and correspondence, and holding regular meetings, with Water Resources Department officials to ensure that farmers can carry out paddy transplantation on time and do not face difficulties due to a lack of irrigation water."

These remarks were made by Bhai Dinesh, former MLA of Jagdishpur. He stated that he has been actively pursuing the immediate cleaning of the Gyanpura and Narayanpur distributaries to ensure water reaches the tail-end of the canal, coordinating with the Secretary (Water Resources Department, Bihar Government), the District Magistrate of Bhojpur, the Engineer-in-Chief (Srijan, Water Resources Department, Patna), the Chief Engineer (Dehri), the Superintending Engineer (Son Zone, Ara), and the Executive... He contacted, wrote letters to, and held meetings with the Executive Engineer of the Son Zone (Ara) and the SDOs of the Son Canal (Piro and Ramnagar).

He stated that as a result of these persistent efforts, the department released funds to ensure water availability for irrigation during the sowing season, and cleaning operations are currently underway.

Bhai Dinesh noted that last year, too, continuous efforts were made to clean the Hetampur Rajwaha, Kateya Line, Sikaria Minor, Keshari Line, Lahthan Rajwaha, Barauli Minor, Bihiya Line, and Tar Minor to address farmers' irrigation issues.

Following the cleaning work, water reached the tail-end sections of these canals, providing relief to farmers regarding irrigation. He mentioned that efforts are being made to coordinate with departmental officials again this year to ensure water reaches the very end of all these canals.

It is essential to ensure that farmers do not face water shortages during the sowing season. Bhai Dinesh remarked that even after so many years of independence, the condition of canals built during the British era has not seen the expected improvements in many places.

Serious action is required regarding the lining (pakkikaran) of canals and the feeder channels (*pain*) originating from them, as well as the reactivation of defunct government tubewells located along canals and riverbanks.

He stated that if canals are properly maintained and lined, and tubewells are kept operational, a permanent solution to the farmers' irrigation problems is largely achievable.

Bhai Dinesh said, "Whether in power or out of it, holding office or not—real development is possible only if you possess the vision and resolve to work for the village, the poor, farmers, laborers, the marginalized, and the common people."

He added that had he not taken up the cause of the farmers' problems, perhaps no one would have questioned why the work remained undone; however, remaining silent in the face of the difficulties faced by farmers and the general public is not in his nature.

He emphasized that the public, too, must become aware of their rights and the issues affecting them. If the public remains vigilant and raises its voice regarding fundamental issues—such as village infrastructure, canals, water channels (*pain*), tube wells, roads, electricity, and irrigation—it will create pressure on the administration to take action.

Bhai Dinesh stated that genuine issues concerning farmers, canals, villages, and the poor deserve adequate priority in the media. He remarked that, unfortunately, such matters of public interest often do not receive the prominence they merit.

He emphasized that the issue of irrigation for farmers is not limited to a single individual or village; rather, it is a critical matter concerning the entire rural society and the agricultural system. Therefore, the media and public representatives ought to highlight these issues prominently.

He asserted that his efforts are not driven by personal gain but are aimed at resolving the problems faced by farmers and the general public. Bhai Dinesh stated that ensuring water reaches the tail-end of canals is a priority for him, and he will continue to raise his voice as long as the system requires improvement.

He said, "Whether you think about it or not, I will keep thinking on your behalf. Remaining silent while witnessing the hardships faced by farmers is not in my nature."

He urged officials from the Water Resources Department to ensure the timely cleaning of all relevant canals—including the Gyanpura and Narayanpur distributaries—and to guarantee that sufficient water reaches the tail-end. This is essential to ensure that farmers in the Jagdishpur Assembly constituency do not face an irrigation crisis during the transplanting season and for subsequent crops. My sole objective is public service and the resolution of public grievances.