Nashik: In order to ensure water reaches beneficiaries through canals during rotation of drinking water only even in the face of acute-water crisis, the district administration has ordered the sub-division officers to form squads which will patrol the entire length of the canal to keep a check on water thefts.The directive has been issued keeping in line with a government resolution, that was out in February, stipulating the formation of such squads to ensure drinking water reaches the beneficiaries.“The government has ordered the district administrations to have squads in place which will act as a deterrent on the ones stealing water released from the canal. Generally, during other times, water is released for drinking as well as for agriculture purpose. Now, in the face of drought, water is being released only for drinking and hence, has to be safeguarded,” said deputy resident collector Ramdas Khedkar.Maharashtra Water Resources Regulatory Act allows the water resources department (WRD) to prevent water from being stolen for other purposes when it is reserved only for drinking and in such cases, FIRs can also be registered at police stations.In 2016, the district administration had registered cases against farmers for stealing when water was being released from Palkhed dam and canal for Yeola for drinking purpose.“We have asked the respective sub-divisional officers to prepare the squads taking officers from various departments so that they can act in unison to prevent water thefts from the canal,” said Khedkar. The officer from the revenue department will head the team comprising members from the WRD, the electricity deparment as well as the police.

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