Sirsa farmers protest, demand release of Bhakra Canal water

Farmers in Sirsa district staged a protest at the Mini-Secretariat on Friday, demanding that the Punjab Government release water from the Bhakra Canal to address the ongoing water shortage. The protesters, who raised slogans against the Punjab Government, later submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, which was addressed to the Chief Minister of Haryana.

In their memorandum, the farmers highlighted the severe water crisis in Sirsa district, where the canals had been dry for a prolonged period. They expressed concern over the negative impact on both wildlife and livestock due to lack of water. Furthermore, the shortage of water has led to difficulties in providing drinking water to both rural and urban populations in the district. The farmers specifically pointed out the urgent need for irrigation water for sowing of cotton (narma), as in the upcoming season, they had to heavily depend on water from the canals.

Farmers’ leaders Prakash Memera and Randhir Jodhkan, spoke to the gathering, lamenting over the dire situation in Sirsa. They stated that despite sufficient water being available in the Bhakra Dam, the district’s canals remained dry, leading to immense hardship for the local population. They expressed frustration over the lack of action from the authorities, especially when the district’s water share was not provided as per the required regulations.

In their memorandum, the farmers requested the Haryana Chief Minister to intervene and ensure that the full 2,750 cusecs of water be released for irrigation as per the previous regulations. Additionally, they called for the excavation of the Ghaggar River from Ottu Head to the Rajasthan border and embankments be strengthened, with road construction along the river. The farmers also demanded that water be provided to the Northern Ghaggar Canal (NGC) and Southern Ghaggar Canal (SGC) as per their allocated share, and that village ponds (johads) be replenished with water from the canals. Lastly, they urged the authorities to ensure that Haryana received its full share of water from the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB).

Haryana Tribune