Farmers in some rural parts of the taluk are diverting water from lakes to their fields to grow paddy. The lakes had overflown following heavy rain in last November and December and the farmers were eager to grow crops using the lake water.
Deputy Commissioner Dr K V Trilok Chandra issued an order restricting farmers from using lake water to grow crops as the underground water level has hit rock bottom in the district.
Farmer Mittahalli Prakash said farmers did not use lake water in December for agriculture as it was not an agricultural season. The lakes of the taluk were full after four years and the underground water level started improving, he added. In June, rainwater filled the lakes again and the farmers started using lake water for agriculture activities.
The farmers claim that the DC’s order was followed in summer and they could not grow paddy if they do not use lake water.
When contacted, DC Trilok Chandra said underground water table could be increased if water is stored in lakes for at least two years continuously.
“As of now, many borewells are recharged from rainwater. Everyone should cooperate with the district administration keepin the future in mind. Legal action will be intiated if any one is found violating the order,” he added.
He said all officials, from village accountants to tahsidlar can take suitable action on those who violate the order.