Abstract
An Association under WUA Ordinance became a prerequisite for the renovation of watercourse. The study shows that the ordinance has not been considered very relevant by the water management officials who initiate the formation of an association. The legal type of authority established through a law like the WUA Ordinance has not effectively replaced the already existing traditional modes of decision making in a rural setting. This, therefore, leads to the poor functioning of the water users association organized so far,
INTRODUCTION
Mobilization of collective efforts are necessary for the rehabilitation and maintenance of a common watercourse which is shared by an average of fifty farmers (Lowdermilk et al., 1975). The informal arrangements which had existed since the irrigation system was built in the Punjab had been unsuccessful because of the conspicuous deterioration of the water channels. Studies by Mirza (1975), Mirza and Merrey (1979), Merrey (1979) and Reuss et al. (1979) highlighted the need for a formal farmers' organization which could impose some legal sanctions for the defaulters to get the needful done. The government of the Punjab promulgated the water users associations ordinance in 1981. The ordinance was meant to ensure farmers' participation in the tasks related with a common watercourse. Its main features were: 1. The formation of a WUA is a pre-requisite for starting any renovation work on a watercourse, 2. The association will be registered when the majority of the total number of
irrigators have agreed to improve their watercourse. 3. Once an association is formed, all the irrigators of the watercourse will be bound to participate in the renovation programme which requires manual labour. 4. Future maintenance of the improved watercourse will be the responsibility of the Association subject to such conditions as may be laid down by the Field Officer, 5. The leadership role will be played by the officers of the. association duly elected by the irrigators from among themselves. The objective of Ns paper is to report the reaction of the Officers of the on-Farm Water Management, who are held responsible for organizing water users associations. • 2:7,•c,_- MATERIALS ANR METHOD S"e or/ Farmer's organiztion was4140 by the officers of the WiterLMArlagement Department in the Pu'alb _province. Thirki six officers were select -'6t random
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