Gujarat High Court seeks govt reply on PIL alleging breaches in Narmada canals

AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat High Court today issued notice to the state government on a PIL which alleges that Narmada canals have developed breaches at various places in Patan district due to "defective" work.

The division bench of acting Chief Justice Jayant Patel and Justice N V Anjaria sought replies from the Narmada department of Gujarat government and the Patan District Collector before September 15.

The court also issued notices to the Managing Director of Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNL) and the chief engineer of its Radhanpur division.

Nanji Thakor and Meraj Rabari from Radhanpur tehsil of Patan have filed the PIL, blaming SSNL for "defective" work.

"The villagers and farmers have been suffering due to poor-quality construction by the contractors appointed by SSNL," says the PIL.

The breaches/cracks in canals were leading to frequent flooding of adjacent fields and wastage of water, it says.

While some part of canal embankments were substantially damaged, cracks have developed in many other places and they are not being repaired, it says.

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," he said.

The petitioners claim they made several representations to the government, but in vain.

The court should direct the government to repair the canals and take action against the responsible persons, PIL demands.