Farmers protest over IGNP water problems Farmers blocked the Bikaner-Sriganganagar highway here today demanding immediate irrigation water, repairs to canals and compensation for crop loss.
Farmers in Bikaner and Sriganganagar districts are facing the heat as water shortage in Indira Gandhi Canal Project (IGNP) is pushing them to the wall. With irrigation needs not being met, farmers from Bikaner, Khajuwala, Lunkaransar, Chhatargarh, Gharasana, Pugal and Bajju have taken to streets and have even blocked the National Highway in their protests.
Farmers under the banner of the United Farmers’ Front blocked roads and markets till 2 pm on Saturday. They erected barricades at important junctions such as Rawala, Gharasana, Lunkaransar and Jaitsar, paralysing traffic. The farmers’ protest was a cry for help. “It’s our life and the lives of millions of people in Rajasthan whose livelihood depends on canal water, that’s in the balance, ” said a protesting farmer.
What Are the Farmers Demanding?
The protesters have made it clear that they won’t back down until their demands are met. Their key demands include:
- Immediate provision of irrigation water to farmers in the first phase of the IGNP.
- Repair and improvement of the canal’s water management system to prevent future shortages.
- Government compensation to offset potential crop losses caused by the water crisis.
The Protests Escalate
Lalchand Bhadoo, Dr. Rajendra Mund and Mahipal Saraswat, leaders of farmers, said that the highway from Gharasana to Lunkaransar was fully blocked. Protests also took place at other places, including 13 MD Toll Plaza, Ramsinghpur, Salempura, Peepera, Jamsar and Khajuwala. Farmers said they were frustrated by the inaction of the Rajasthan government, which was forcing them to take drastic measures.
They said they had given the government five to six days to respond but there had been no movement. “With no other option we decided to continue our peaceful protest to save our crops, ” they said. “We don’t want conflict, we don’t want war. But we want immediate action to release water and prevent further escalation. .
Security Measures in Place
Security has been stepped up four SPs, 10 DSPs and over 500 police personnel have been deployed. SP Surendra Kumar said all arrangements for deployment of water cannons and anti-riot vehicles are in place. DIG Gaurav Yadav is personally monitoring the situation. Talks are on with farmers, but protesters have threatened to continue their agitation till indefinite period.
A History of Struggle
A farmer leader said protests in 2012 and 2013 too had dragged on for seven days as farmers had demanded release of 2400 cusecs of water immediately to save their crops. This time too, the talks with Amarjeet Singh Mehra had started on a positive note on Friday but stalled as leaders of BJP-affiliated farmer organisations entered the fray and demanded inclusion in the discussions.
Crops on the Brink of Disaster
Farmers in western Rajasthan grow chickpeas, wheat, mustard, and isabgol. All these crops are likely to dry up as a result of the acute water shortage in the IGNP. “If water is not supplied to the IGNP soon, we will lose our hard work of a year, ” said farmers. “The situation is really bad, and farmers are losing their patience. .
A Plea for Action
The protest by the farmers is really an appeal for survival. They do not want a conflict; they are fighting for their crops, their livelihoods and future of their families. But the government must meet their demands and avoid a full-blown crisis. As one farmer, said, ‘We don’t block roads or cause trouble; we need water for crops. If the government acts now, we’ll keep fighting. ’Source Rajasthan Patrika
