Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Gujarat Postpones Ukai Kakrapar Canal Shutdown Amid Farmer Crop Losses
Farmers in Gujarat have been having a tough time because of unexpected rain that damaged their crops.
The government had planned to stop water from a big canal called the Right Bank canal for a while to fix and make it bigger.
But, farmers were worried that if the water stopped, their crops would get ruined for a third time this year.
So, the government listened to the farmers and decided to put off the plan to shut down the canal.
They will do the repairs next year instead.
This means the farmers will still get water for their fields this year, which will help them avoid more losses.
The canal is very old, about 65 years, and the government wants to make it carry more water in the future.
Gujarat government has postponed its decision to shut down water supply from the Right Bank canal of Ukai Kakrapar for irrigation.
The postponement is due to unseasonal rainfall in May and October, which caused significant crop losses for farmers.
A high-level meeting decided to push back the planned expansion and repair work of the canal, originally set to close from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026.
This decision aims to prevent a third crop yield loss for farmers who have already been impacted by adverse weather conditions.
The Right Bank canal network is approximately 65 years old, and the government intends to eventually increase its water-carrying capacity.
- Who
- Gujarat state government and farmers' advisory committee, including Khedut Samaj Gujarat
- What
- Postponed the planned shutdown of water supply from the Right Bank canal of Ukai Kakrapar for irrigation.
- When
- Decision made on Friday (November 8, 2025), announced Saturday (November 9, 2025); original shutdown planned from December 1, 2025.
- Where
- Gujarat, specifically concerning the Right Bank canal of the Ukai Kakrapar water canal network.
- Why
- To prevent additional crop losses for farmers who have already suffered due to unseasonal rains in May and October.
Government's Rationale
Farmers' Concerns
Impact of Canal Shutdown on Farmers
Government's Rationale
The government postponed the shutdown to prevent a third crop loss for farmers who have already suffered due to unseasonal rains.
Farmers' Concerns
Farmers, represented by Khedut Samaj Gujarat, stated that shutting off water supply would lead to a third yield loss, exacerbating their existing crop damage from unseasonal rains.
Canal Maintenance and Water Capacity
Government's Rationale
The canal network is 65 years old and requires expansion and repair to address damage and low water pressure, with a proposed increase in water-carrying capacity to 4,200 cusecs.
Farmers' Concerns
While acknowledging the need for maintenance, the immediate priority is to ensure water supply for farmers, as the scheduled shutdown would have impacted over four lakh farmers.
- Canal Network
- Right Bank canal of Ukai Kakrapar
- Original Shutdown Period
- December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026
- Reason for Postponement
- Unseasonal rainfall and resulting crop losses for farmers
- Affected Farmers (if shutdown proceeded)
- Over 4 lakh
- Canal Age
- Approximately 65 years old
- Previous water-carrying capacity (Right Bank)
- 2,400 cusecs (increased to 3,000 cusecs in 2012)
- Proposed water-carrying capacity
- 4,200 cusecs
