Sugar Institute in Jalna, final nail in the coffin for water scarcity prone Marathwada?

51 Hectare Land allotted to VSI near Jalna, draws flak from experts

Half of the Maharashtra to be desert within 30 years: ISRO

Mumbai: The decision of the state government to allot 51 hectare land to Sharad Pawar controlled Vasantdada Sugar Institute (VSI) in water scarcity prone Marathwada region has raised many eyebrows and evoked stinging criticism from opposition.

As the government is desperately trying to defend its decision the dust over it just refuses to settle down anytime soon as experts are now highlighting environmental and social implications of the proposed research institute.

Few years ago the water scarcity in Latur that was brought in sharp focus due to transportation of water by railway wagons from Ujjani dam. According to Desertification and Degradation of Land Atlas released by ISRO, half of the state will be converted into desert by next three decades.

Yet the land has been allotted to VSI at Patharwala village of Ambad taluka in Jalna district on 30 year lease as per Ready Reckoner rates. Political parties are exploiting  the decision to settle their political scores, while they seem to be least bothered about the devastating implications on the scarce water resources in the region.

When contacted, State Health Minister Rajesh Tope, a member of the VSI governing council, said the decision to allot the land was aimed at boosting research in sugarcane farming in Marathwada and Vidarbha regions. “It will be a boon to the farmers in these two regions,” he said. “the VSI centre in Jalna district will play a major role in academic, extension and research for sugarcane growers, VSI centre will provide sugarcane seeds to farmers and conduct research in breeding various varieties of sugarcane,” Tope said, adding, “The land was allotted on the condition that it will not be used for commercial purpose.”

Dr Umesh Mundley, noted water expert said, “The decision to promote sugar cane farming in parched region like Marathwada will have catastrophic effect on the water resources. Despite the claims of drip irrigation to sugar cane, the ground reality is totally different. Drip irrigation for sugar cane is not a viable option for farmers.” According to Desertification and Degradation of Land Atlas released by ISRO, half of the state will be converted into desert by next three decades. “On the backdrop of the report, policy makers should think on promoting sugar cane farming in the state, leave alone in parched areas like Marathwada,” Dr Mundley said.