Ranjani / Ramesh Jadhav
The ongoing political controversy surrounding the Dimbhe–Manikdoh interlinking tunnel under the Kukadi Irrigation Project, along with the misinformation being spread over the issue, is misleading the public, according to local observers.
While a credit war has intensified among local leaders in Ahilyanagar district, with political rivals trading allegations for electoral gains, Ambegaon MLA and former minister Dilip Walse Patil has maintained a firm and well-researched position focused on public interest rather than political advantage.
Some local opponents have allegedly attempted to tarnise Walse Patil’s image, and the campaign continues on social media. However, his position was never against providing water to Ahilyanagar district. His primary concern, supporters say, was that while supplying water to the neighbouring district, the water rights of farmers, horticulturists and residents of Ambegaon taluka should not be compromised.
According to the argument put forward by Walse Patil, several government and administrative alternatives were available for supplying water to Ahilyanagar. Imposing a decision to construct the interlinking tunnel in haste, therefore, could have had serious consequences for agriculture and drinking-water availability in the Ambegaon region.
Walse Patil did not merely oppose the Dimbhe–Manikdoh tunnel project. Drawing on his long administrative experience and detailed understanding of the issue, he pursued alternative solutions. When the question of protecting the water rights of his constituents arose, he used his political influence and position to secure a stay on the decision regarding the Dimbhe–Manikdoh tunnel.
The development has also dealt a blow to those accused of practising double-standard politics and attempting to claim credit for the outcome.
Supporters say the decision is of major importance for farmers and residents of the Ambegaon–Shirur region, and could have a long-term bearing on the area's water security. They argue that the episode has once again demonstrated Walse Patil's approach of giving priority to public welfare and protecting every possible drop of water available to the region.
Known for being restrained in his speech and measured in his conduct, Walse Patil has built a reputation for taking firm positions on issues affecting the public. His stated approach has consistently been that political decisions should ultimately serve both the interests of the people and the state.
After the government announced that the tunnel project would go ahead, some groups in the taluka allegedly attempted to corner Walse Patil politically and mislead the public through social media campaigns. Despite the criticism, he continued to pursue the issue without being distracted.
The government's subsequent decision to put the Dimbhe–Manikdoh tunnel project on hold has brought considerable relief to people in Ambegaon, Junnar and Shirur talukas.
For Walse Patil's supporters, the episode is another example of his commitment to his constituents and reinforces his image as a leader who gives action greater importance than rhetoric.
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