ROLE OF PANI PANCHAYATS

Participation of farmers and execution of CAD works through the Pani Panchayts is a pre-requisite for CADWM programme as per Govt. of India norms. Under the Command Area Development Programme, the execution of Field Channel and Field Drains are taken up solely by the concerned Pani Panchayats with the supervision of the technical personnel of CAD Organization. The Pani Panchayat plays a key role in motivating the farmers and are involved in land donation (for construction) and beneficiary contribution in shape of labour (10% in construction of field channel and reclamation of waterlogged areas). The Pani Panchayats take keen interest in maintaining the quality of work. As the farmers are directly associated with the work during execution, they feel that the work belongs to them and is their property. From the year 2004-05, the construction of Field Channel and Field Drain of 5169 ha through 52 nos. of Pani Panchayats has been increased to 39421ha with 399 nos. of Pani Panchayats in 2008-09 as shown in the following figure.