Fazilka, October 8: As many as 18 farmers have been booked on the allegation of stealing water from the Gang canal in the district.
On the basis of the statement of Sub-Divisional Officer, Canal Department, Jalalabad, 18 farmers have been booked under Sections 379, 430 and 427 of the IPC and Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. However, no arrests have been made so far.
The SDO said the department officials had conducted raids at different locations along the Gang canal on September 20, 28 and 30 and the farmers were found stealing water from the canal by laying pipes illegally to irrigate their fields.
The department recovered pipes and water motors from 13 different locations. The pipes and motors were laid underground in clandestine manner to lift the water.
About 3,000 acres was inundated when a breach occurred in the canal last month following illegal laying of water pipes.
Source Tribune India
