DHARAMSHALA: In a classic case of political apathy and ever-rising project costs, the incomplete Shah Nehar Canal project-largest for the hill state-is in dire state of neglect. The irrigation project was conceived in 1987 with costs to be shared in the ratio of 60 and 40 by the states of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh respectively. If materialized, it would have helped irrigate about 15,287 hectares of land in the Kangra region.The initial cost of the project was 143 crores and the Punjab Government contributed just Rs 66 crore and rest of the burden was borne by Himachal. Later, following further delay, the cost of construction increased to 390 crores. Then, the Union government contributed 90 per cent cost of the project under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Program (AIBP) while the remaining 10 per cent was contributed in the 60, 40 ratio by Punjab and Himachal each.However, after two decades, the project still remains unfinished with the estimated rise in costs to 450 crores.As per approved plan, Beas river waters were to be lifted from Talwara (Punjab) barrage passing through tunnels and aqua-ducts of canal before reaching the fields in hilly areas of Indora block in Kangra district. There were 12km-long aqua-ducts through its 45-km length. The aqua-ducts have been constructed at a height of 25 meters using RCC pillars.Well-placed sources have told TOI that water has reached to only 30% of the fields as of now. At present the work is going on in the 'command area' which aims to provide water to fields in Indora.When contacted, executive engineer SS Kaushal , said, "We have started providing irrigation to about 9,000 hectares. Work is going on and will be completed soon."However, local farmers have complained that they are not getting the benefit of this irrigation scheme after so many years. And moreover, parts of the canal have started wearing off, and repairs would mean an additional cost burden on the state.

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