Irrigation disputes and irrigation water management are among the most critical issues in Georgia's agricultural sector. Farmers and agribusinesses depend on a stable supply of irrigation water provided by "Georgian Amelioration." Disputes often arise due to interruptions in water supply, insufficient volume, or malfunctioning irrigation canals, leading to crop destruction. Also relevant are problems regarding water distribution between neighboring plots and illegal connections. Legal services in this area include signing contracts with the amelioration company, claiming damages for crop failure, and resolving disputes in court or through mediation.
What Does Irrigation Legal Service Cover?
Our lawyers protect the interests of farmers and Water User Associations (WUAs):
- Amelioration Contract: Analysis and signing of water supply agreement terms with LLC "Georgian Amelioration."
- Damage Compensation: Calculating losses for crops dried out due to lack of water supply and claiming compensation in court.
- Tariff Disputes: Verifying and appealing the correctness of accrued irrigation water fees (tariffs).
- Canal Maintenance: Disputes over who is responsible (state or consumer) for cleaning and rehabilitating a specific irrigation canal.
- Water User Associations (WUA): Legal support for establishing and managing Water User Associations.
- Neighbor Disputes: Disputes with neighboring farmers regarding blocking water canals or water theft.
Common Scenarios and Needs
Water scarcity during the drought season leads to conflicts. Farmers often do not receive water according to schedule, causing crop spoilage. The amelioration company often cites "force majeure" (lack of water at the source), but a lawyer can prove the problem lies in infrastructure malfunction. Also common are cases where an upstream neighbor blocks the canal, depriving downstream users of water.
Georgian Legislation and Regulations
The field is regulated by the "Law on Soil Amelioration" and amelioration service tariffs approved by GNERC. Relations are governed by the Civil Code and individual contracts.
The Process: How a Specialist Works
In case of damage, the lawyer immediately invites an auditor and agronomist to assess the loss (drafting an act). A claim is written to the amelioration company. If the company refuses compensation, a lawsuit is prepared. In neighbor disputes, the lawyer appeals to the police or court to stop arbitrary actions.
Why Legal.ge?
Irrigation water is vital for agriculture. Legal.ge gives you access to agricultural law specialists who know the specifics of the amelioration sector. Specialists on our platform will help you protect your crops and receive the water you are entitled to. Care for your harvest with Legal.ge.
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