Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel of Gujarat has instructed the early release of irrigation water from the Narmada canal network to aid farmers preparing for the upcoming agricultural season in the state’s Narmada command area. The decision to advance the water release schedule came after requests from Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly from the region. Water for irrigation purposes will now flow through the Narmada project canals starting June 11.
The state government’s move follows a thorough assessment of water availability in the Narmada system and the irrigation needs of crops in the area. In a high-level meeting with officials linked to the Narmada project, CM Patel reviewed the water reserves in the system and the anticipated requirements of farmers served by the canal network. Responding to the situation, Patel directed officials to commence water release earlier than planned, considering the farmers’ crop water requirements.
Stressing the importance of water for crops, the state government emphasized that the decision was made in response to the demands of elected representatives from the Narmada command area. The Narmada canal network serves as a vital irrigation source for a significant portion of Gujarat, especially during the kharif season, supporting agricultural activities. Timely water availability is critical for planting and crop management in districts reliant on canal irrigation.
The meeting, chaired by CM Patel, was attended by key officials including Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Chairman Mukesh Puri and other senior authorities associated with the Narmada project. The early release of water from June 11 is expected to benefit farmers in the Narmada command region as they gear up for the monsoon cultivation cycle, enhancing agricultural preparations in the area.
