Officers from Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam Limited (KBJNL) have uncovered over 30 instances of illegal water siphoning in Vijayapura district. Miscreants used large pipes to divert water from the Mulwad Irrigation Project canals.

  • Over 30 cases of canal damage and water theft detected in Vijayapura district.
  • The damage was concentrated in the Malaghan West Canal under the Mulwad Irrigation Project.
  • Illegal pipes ranging from 4 to 6 inches in diameter were used to siphon water.
  • Legal action has been initiated against the perpetrators following repeated damage.

Vijayapura, Karnataka: In a significant crackdown on resource theft, officers of Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam Limited (KBJNL) have detected more than 30 instances of miscreants damaging irrigation canals to siphon off water for private agricultural use in the Vijayapura district.

The investigation focused on the Malaghan West Canal, part of the Mulwad Irrigation Project in the Babaleshwar taluk. Following complaints from farmers regarding inadequate water supply, officials discovered that while the canal spans 118.60 km, water was only reaching approximately 100 km of its length.

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The Mechanics of the Theft

A detailed investigation revealed that the canal had been systematically compromised. In several villages, including Yakkundi, Hokkundi, Arjunagi, and Hebbalati, holes were drilled into the canal structure at roughly 30 different locations. To facilitate the theft, miscreants had installed pipes with diameters ranging from 4 to 6 inches, allowing a steady flow of water to be diverted to unauthorized fields.

Systemic siphoning of irrigation water undermines the entire hydraulic design of lift schemes, leaving tail-end farmers in dire need.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such illegal diversions create a massive inequity in water distribution. When water is siphoned off mid-way through a canal, it effectively deprives downstream farmers—who often rely on the full length of the canal—of their legal water rights, leading to social unrest and agricultural failure at the tail ends.

The situation has been particularly challenging for the authorities. Rajendra Y. Rudagi, Executive Engineer of KBJNL, noted that previous attempts to repair the damage using cement concrete had failed, as the culprits repeatedly drilled new holes. Consequently, the department has shifted its strategy from mere maintenance to strict legal prosecution of the offenders.

Did You Know?: Illegal siphoning doesn't just steal water; it causes structural erosion in canals, which can lead to massive breaches and flooding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Where exactly was the water being stolen from?
A: The theft was detected in the Malaghan West Canal under the Mulwad Irrigation Project in Babaleshwar taluk.

Q2: What action is KBJNL taking against the culprits?
A: KBJNL has closed the illegal holes and has initiated formal legal proceedings against those involved in the theft.