The irrigation department has taken the encroachment of backwater regions of major dams seriously and has decided to act sternly against those grabbing such land.
Speaking to Deccan Herald, Water Resources Minister M B Patil said the problem of encroachment of backwater regions of dams, watershed area of the rivers and their feeder canal is spread across all three Neeravari Nigams (irrigation corporations) in the State.
“We have decided to take up an extensive survey of the backwaters and watershed areas so that the rivers and dams are not affected,” said Patil.
The minister said the poor rainfall in the last two years might have reduced the water storage area, prompting land grabbers to encroach it. The minister said he would look into the Vani Vilas dam case.
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