Protest against Maharashtra govt policy to divert agricultural water

The Lokabhimukh Pani Dhoran Sangharsh Manch (LPDSM), working for the farmers’ rights, will organise agitations in different parts of the state from August 9 against the policy of the state government to divert water meant for irrigation to industry.

Speaking to mediapersons on Thursday, the leader of the manch, Bharat Patankar, said the state government passed Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Authority ordinance during the budget session of the state assembly this year, to legitimise the diversion of water supply dedicated for agriculture to industry.

“This decision will affect the farmers badly. This move shows that the state government is giving priority to industry rather than agriculture,’’ he said, questioning why the farmers are being discriminated against.

Patankar claimed the state government early this year had promised that it would give attention to farmers and their problems. “But the ordinance has proved that it does not care about farmers,’’ he said.

Speaking about exorbitant water bills, Patankar said the state government has decided to collect one-and-a-half times extra water charges from those farmers who have more than two children.

“Why does it not apply to industrialists and businessmen who have more than two children?’’ he questioned.

“Moreover, where electricity consumption is high for lifting water, the water bills will be exorbitant. But most farmers are poor and those who stay in drought-prone regions will be at their wits end to pay the charges,’’ he added.