Fresh Fire Damages India’s First Automated Farm Water Supply Project in Sonshi
In a concerning development, the water pipeline of India’s first automated irrigation project—designed to supply water from a mine trench in Sonshi Surla chain—has been set on fire once again. This incident marks yet another setback for the project, which has faced repeated disruptions due to similar acts of sabotage in the past.
The pipeline, inaugurated just a month ago, was crucial in providing farmers with an automated water supply system. However, the recurring acts of vandalism have raised serious concerns among the local farming community. The latest fire has also spread to the surrounding forest area, compounding the environmental damage.
Local farmer Vishnu Natekar has strongly condemned the incident and demanded a thorough government investigation. “There needs to be an inquiry into whether this fire was accidental or deliberate. The culprits must be identified and punished,” he said.
The project has already faced delays due to earlier fires and vandalism, and this latest act threatens to derail progress yet again. Farmers are now urging authorities to step in and ensure the safety and continuity of the project, which is seen as a major step forward for agricultural development in the region.
