'REPORT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE BOMBAY PRESIDENCY, FOR THE YEAR 1914-1915' [‎223r] (115/150)

1914-1915]
IRRIGATION.
79
Chapter IV.
1 his is a work in Dohad faluka of the Panch Mahals which was commenced for the
purpose of famine relief in 1912. It has now been completed.
PRODUCTION
AND
DISTRIBUTION.
Futelao tank.
(zV) Second Class Irrigation Works and Agricultural Works.
Fhe flood in the Khari river on the 10th July 1914 reached 10 feet at the Raipur Khari sluices,
weir and it damaged the old wooden structure, washing away six of the gates. Temporary
repairs were very promptly made with masonry and rails and needles in a 60-feet length
and water was successfully headed up for the Khari Cut.
1 his heavy flood also caused a breach in the protective bund at Pali and the water
flowing into the Ooblaj tank filled it to above waste weir level. 1 he Bherai reservoir and
all the other tanks were filled, and subsequently water was also given for the irrigation of
the rice crop in the kalambandi villages, though the transplantation was late for want of
labour.
1 his small work was built about 14 years ago and is classed as an agricultural work. Muvaliatank.
It is near Dohad, and has two canals ; it irrigated about its average area, 390 acres, as the
tank did not fill. The gross revenue was under Rs. 1,000 and cost of maintenance
Rs. 3,500, which is a somewhat disappointing result.
I here are numerous small tanks in Gujarat, of which a portion are attended to every Old tanks and
year, so as to maintain their irrigating efficiency. Improvements to 116 and repairs to 7I draina § e channels
such tanks were undertaken this year. Improvements to 1 and repairs to 15 talukdari
tanks were also carried out.
Drainage channels and reclamation works were kept in working order.
B. —Central Division.
Since the formation of the Deccan Irrigation Division referred to in the Administration
Report of last year, the Central Division contains only a few irrigation works of importance.
(/) First Class Irrigation Works.
The tanks of the Sholapur District, Ekruk, Ashti, Pathri, etc., and their canal systems
constifute the most important of the irrigation works remaining therein. The Ekruk tank,
which was constructed for irrigation purposes exclusively, has for many years furnished the
town of Sholapur with large supplies of water for industrial and domestic needs.
An important work is now in progress at Sholapur for improving the water-supply of
the town. For years it has drawn its supply from an open channel fed from the Ekruk
tank ; but this unsatisfactorv arrangement is shortly to be replaced by a scheme for drawing
the water direct from the tank through cast iron mains. The project includes the installation
of more powerful pumping machinery and additions to the existing service reservoir in the
city. This work is progressing satisfactorily. The engine house is completed and a rising
main to the new reservoir has been laid.
The project for enlarging the catchment area of the Ekruk tank referred to in paragraph
76 of the last report has been held in abeyance for want of funds till other more urgent
projects are disposed of.
The area irrigated on first class works was 13,000 acres, being less than the average,
because of the favourable rainfall. The assessed revenue Rs. 1,45,000 was also below the
average.
(u) Second Class Irrigation Works.
The expenditure on extensions and improvements and maintenance and repairs to the
bandharas situated in the West and East Khandesh Districts was Rs. 15,073.
C.—Deccan Irrigation Division.
(/') First Class Irrigation Works.
This Division includes all the irrigation works constructed or under construction as a
protection against famine, also the Mutha Canal system, which is classed as a productive
work, and three small tanks in the Poona District. The works in existence will be first
referred to and then a somewhat detailed account will be given of the large and important
projects on the construction of which over 40 lakhs One lakh is equal to one hundred thousand rupees of rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. a year are now being spent.
(a) Works in existence.
Protective Works.
Of the works in being, this is the largest in the Deccan and is situated in the Poona Nira Left Bank
District. A comparison between the busy agricultural operations on the left bank of the Canal.
Nira valley and its 50,000 acres of rich irrigated crops and the dry cultivation on the right
bank demonstrates in a most convincing manner the value of perennial irrigation. The
trouble experienced with waterlogging and salt efflorescence is a small matter when con
trasted with the benefits obtained, but the evils of over-irrigation and careless use of water,
which are some of the principal causes of this damage are being combated, and certain rules