Explainer: Tension over water dispute leads to protests, pipe removal & clashes

A conflict over water distribution has erupted in Sirsa district, especially around kharif channels connected to Ghaggar river. These seasonal channels Sahdeva, Mammar and Ratta Khera were designed to help irrigate farmland, particularly tail-end villages. However, illegal pipelines and solar pump systems installed by the farmers in upstream areas have triggered unrest, as the downstream farmers complain that they haven’t received water in years. The district administration, led by District Council CEO Subhash Chandra and XEN Sandeep Sharma, has launched a drive to remove unauthorised connections, prompting protests, clashes and calls for political intervention. The situation remains tense with no immediate resolution in sight.  What triggered the water dispute in Sirsa district? The conflict began when the farmers from tail-end villages such as Chakka Bhuna, Nuhianwali, Sadewala, and Ghoranwali complained that they hadn’t received irrigation water for three years. They blamed the upstream farmers from areas such as Jhorarnali, Dhani Bangi, Dhotar and several other villages for installing illegal pipelines and solar pumps that diverted water before it could reach the tail-end. These unauthorised setups, officials say, allow some farmers to draw water for up to 20 hours a day, leaving others dry. How has the administration responded to the complaints? Under the supervision of District Council CEO Subhash Chandra and Irrigation XEN Sandeep Sharma, the administration began removing over 100 illegal pipelines and solar setups using earthmoving machines. A meeting was held at the Panchayat Bhawan where both upstream and tail-end farmers presented their sides. A committee was formed to investigate and fairly remove illegal connections. However, action continued despite appeals for delays, leading to rising tensions. What protests and clashes have occurred during the removal drive? During one major operation at the Ghaggar Bani Sahdeva Mammarkhera (GBSM) Link Channel, the protesting farmers blocked the machinery, leading to police action. Several were pushed back and detained, including farmer leader Harjinder Singh Jinda, who was later released. Tensions escalated as farmers deflated a government tractor’s tyres and accused the police of using abusive language. The farmers, Dharmchand, Ram Singh, and Sunil Kabira, criticised the administration for removing pipelines that were installed with heavy investments and often through loans. What are the demands and concerns of upstream and downstream farmers? The upstream farmers argue they invested Rs 15–70 lakh to build pipelines and solar systems that irrigate remote or elevated fields, doing what the government projects could not. They deny misuse and have offered to sign affidavits and accept heavy fines for violations. They suggested a shared water schedule: two days for upstream users, the rest for tail-end villages. Meanwhile, the downstream farmers demand immediate canal cleaning and re-excavation and blame illegal upstream use for their long-standing water scarcity. They seek government enforcement of equitable distribution. What is the current status and outlook of the dispute? As of now, over 100 illegal pipelines have been dismantled. Despite requests for negotiation, XEN Sandeep Sharma insists that removals are necessary to restore fair water flow. Meanwhile, both sides remain firm, with the farmers threatening to approach local MLAs and higher authorities if the situation remains unresolved.

Haryana Tribune