The Gujarat High Court issued a notice to the state government on Tuesday after a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleged that canals on the Narmada river are defective. The PIL claimed that the canals developed breaches at various places in Patan district due to “defective” work.
The Narmada department of the Gujarat government and the Patan District Collector have been asked to reply before September 15. The division bench of acting Chief Justice Jayant Patel and Justice N V Anjaria were hearing the case.
The PIL states that villagers and farmers have been suffering due to poor-quality construction by the contractors appointed by SSNL. It added that the breaches and cracks in the canals were leading to the frequent flooding of adjacent fields and to wastage of water.
The PIL demands that the government repair these damaged canals and take action against those responsible. Advocate Hasit Dave, the petitioners’ lawyer, said the locals suspect large-scale irregularities.
Contracts were given to a handful of contractors who have used inferior-quality materials and not carried out proper construction.
— Hasit Dave, Advocate
The petitioners claim they made several representations to the government, but in vain.
(With inputs from PTI)
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