Equal water, level tempers
FARMER-MANAGED irrigation systems control much more than water -- even conflicts and quarrels are managed with temperate rules. A consensus approach is used, without the complexities of a Western-oriented legal system.
The Chherlung Thulo Kulo managing body has developed regulations to mobilise funds and resolve conflicts. Strict fines are imposed on anybody damaging a saancho. Water thefts are resolved within the rotation group or taken up to the mukhiya. If the offenders do not pay up, members can go to their house, confiscate their cooking pots and sell them to recover the fine.
For users of water from the Raj Kulo canal, the installation of saanchos has minimised conflicts. If water thefts occur, an emergency meeting of the canal's managing committee decides the punishment by consensus.
Conflicts in the Kharkhola river irrigation network are of two types -- between water users of different systems and water users within a system.
In theory, these conflicts can be resolved through legal means. In practice, they are defused by local committee members or by the farmers themselves. Negotiation and consensus are used to bring offenders to book. Sometimes, financial and social sanctions are imposed. The farmers' organisation itself acts as a people's court. The law of the state is not invoked.