JEYPORE: The officials of Upper Kolab Irrigation recently conducted elections to 21 pani panchayats under Dhanpur distributary system.
About 63 office-bearers, three in each pani panchayat, were elected through the process.
The process for pani panchayat elections was started in the first week of May covering 10,000 hectares (ha) of ayacut areas under Dhanpur distributary system comprising 22 pani panchayats and completed on Sunday.
The elections were conducted in Dhanpur, Badajeuna, Bayaguda, Solapa, Kakadahandi, Phampuni, Kaliagaon, Anta Baralahandi, Gheuri, Bamaniput, Kumabariput, Kunturkhal, Gaganapur, Umuri, Badakaudi, Gadapadar, Balaput, Kumuliput, Randapali and Badamajurmjuda villages. About 600 farmer leaders were elected in the first phase and later, they elected 63 office-bearers.
However, the election to Ghatbagara pani panchayat was cancelled due to some issues and it would be conducted later. Irrigation officials SC Mishra, SR Nayak, GC Gauda, Puspalata Panda and 30 other employees conducted the elections. Election Officer SC Mishra said the election of office-bearers would be held during the third week of September.
Sources said Dhanpur distributary is one of the biggest irrigation systems in the State comprising 22 pani panchayats.