BJP MLA slams civic body over delay in Kharicut Canal project

A lack of coordination between the Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) and the Irrigation Department has triggered a dispute over the Kharicut Canal Development Project in eastern Ahmedabad, a scheme worth crores of rupees. 

BJP MLA from the Daskroi constituency, Babu Jamna Patel, criticised the administration over the issue, alleging that farmers were being deprived of their rightful benefits. “Money that should have gone to farmers is being taken away, and I cannot tolerate that,” he reportedly said.

Work on the project, which was expected to be completed by the municipal corporation within 15 days, has been brought to a halt following the sudden release of water into the canal.

The project has faced repeated delays, which local leaders have attributed to the slow and inadequate execution of work by the AMC. As a result, heavy machinery worth crores of rupees had to be withdrawn from the site, while farmers and residents in the surrounding areas continue to face difficulties.

Patel pointed out that although the project was originally slated for completion within two years, it remains unfinished even after four years. He added that despite repeated representations, the contractor has caused significant delays and farmers have yet to receive compensation for their losses. “Had the work been completed on time, this dispute would not have arisen,” he said.

Addressing the release of irrigation water, Patel said farmers urgently require water for the ongoing Rabi crop season. “Given the pressing need for irrigation, I made representations at the highest level to ensure the release of water. I have acted in the interest of farmers,” he said. 

He added that while the administration had earlier sought two additional years to complete the remaining canal work — a request that was accepted — it was unreasonable for farmers to be denied water even in the fourth year.

Patel described it as unacceptable that farmers should suffer due to the negligence of contractors, and said this was why he insisted on the release of water despite the incomplete status of the project.