Ganga Canal Dry: 5 Lakh Farmers Face Irrigation Crisis

In Bijnor, over five lakh farmers across Amroha and neighboring districts face an acute irrigation crisis. The Middle Ganga Canal network, a project costing approximately Rs 4,900 crore, has not consistently supplied water to agricultural lands. This failure forces farmers to depend on tube wells and electricity, significantly increasing their irrigation expenses and contributing to declining groundwater levels.

The canal system, which includes branches and numerous distributaries, was designed to deliver water directly to farms. Despite partial completion, regular water flow is absent in many areas. Farmers report that water is sometimes released close to the monsoon, when it is least needed, rather than during the crucial June and early July periods for crop irrigation.

Officials state that around 96% of the project is complete, with remaining land acquisition issues delaying finalization. Trial runs have been conducted, and water release is anticipated within two to three months. The project, initiated in 2007-08 with an initial estimate of Rs 1,061 crore, has seen its cost escalate due to delays.

Once fully operational, the canal originating from the Ganga barrage in Bijnor is expected to irrigate about 2.2 lakh hectares in Moradabad, Sambhal, Amroha, and Badaun districts. Stakeholders believe its completion will aid in groundwater recharge and improve flood control by allowing water storage upstream during monsoon surges.