Vikhe Patil opposes diversion of water meant for farming

The state agriculture minister, Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil, on Tuesday said he was opposed to diverting water meant for agricultural purposes to industrial use.

His remarks assume significance in view of the allegations by activists that erstwhile state water resources minister, Ajit Pawar, diverted 1,500 million cubic metres of water to non-agricultural purposes.

Vikhe Patil was speaking to media persons at a press conference on Tuesday. In reply to a question, he made it clear that his remarks were his personal views and had nothing to do with the high-power committee headed by Pawar. He claimed he had opposed diversion of water from the Godavari for industrial purposes.

An activist, Bharat Patankar, on Monday had alleged that a high-power committee under the chairmanship of Ajit Pawar had taken decisions between 2003 and 2010, which resulted in transfer of 1,500 million cubic metres of water meant for irrigation purpose to non-agricultural purpose.

Vikhe Patil said he was opposed to diverting water meant for agriculture to any other purpose and would assert his stand.