Mansa farmers in a bind over floods on one side,dry spell on other

The comparison highlights the stark contrast that has put the farmers on a tight leash on both ends.

“Except for little showers yesterday,there have been not much rains in the area for a long time. The paddy and cotton need water at this stage. The problem is being compounded by insufficient supply of power. Of six- hour power supply as promised,we get only 4 hour power supply in effect,” rues Sukhdev Singh. “We have no other choice except using diesel pumps for ensuring enough water to crops. And if things remain the same,the input costs are sure to rise,” says Sukhdev. Villagers in the region also claim that the water level in their area is relatively better as compared to the flood affected areas of Patiala and Sangrur districts. “The power motors we use here are much smaller and use less power as compared to the motors in the flood affected regions of Patiala and Sangrur where water level is as deep as 70 to 80 feet,” says Sukhdev. Powercom Executive Engineer at Budhlada R K Goel,however,claims that on the basis of existing capacity of the Mansa grid,a maximum of 6 hour power supply could be extended to the farmers at present. “There is a proposal to set up a grid at Jhunir and when that materialises we would be able to enhance the power supply to farmers,” Goel adds. Meanwhile,district administration,NGOs and villagers joined hands to plug the breaches near Sadhuwala and Bhundar.