Poll-bound Mayawati worried over closure of Gandak canal in Bihar

PATNA: The closure of the western Gandak canal in Bihar could affect the political dynamics in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, especially in areas where farmers are dependent on the canal for irrigation.

Small wonder, a jittery Mayawati has now engaged her close lieutenants for holding back-channel negotiations with the Bihar government and ruling party leadership for the resumption of water discharge from the canal system.

She has now even directed the UP chief secretary to rush to Patna to sort out the issue with the Bihar government. The Bihar government has stopped releasing water in the canal for undertaking repair works, which, it maintains, is necessary for its maintenance.

But in UP, it is creating problems for chief minister Mayawati, who may have to face farmers’ ire in several assembly constituencies.

“We had already informed the UP government that the canal would be closed for structural repairs, strengthening and de-siltation works. Hence, we will not be in a position to release water in the canal from December to June 2012. We have engaged contractors who are already at work. We have been spending huge amount for the purpose. How can we stop the work now,” water resources principal secretary Afzal Amanullah asked.

The fact that the canal has already gone dry has created a deep sense of worry for Mayawati, who is now pinning her hopes on the Nitish government.