Farmers protest canal water shortage in Bhiwani district

Farmers from five villages in Bhiwani district — Ninan, Paluwas, Kaluwas, Nathuwas, and Umravat — staged a protest in Nathuwas village today against the acute shortage of canal water for irrigation.

Gathering in large numbers, the farmers raised slogans against the government and administration, demanding a steady and adequate supply of canal water. They expressed frustration over the shortage, stating that a lack of irrigation water is threatening their crops and livelihoods.

“The rabi crops need watering and are drying up due to the lack of irrigation,” said Sunil, a farmer from Nathuwas village. “We fear losing our crops, which would worsen our financial hardships. Despite the irrigation minister hailing from Bhiwani district, the canals here are dry. This official negligence is destroying our livelihood,” he said, referring to Tosham MLA Shruti Choudhry, who is also the Irrigation Minister in the BJP-led state government.

The farmers criticised the minister for failing to address the issue, contrasting her inaction with the legacy of her grandfather, former Chief Minister Bansi Lal. “Bansi Lal worked to ensure water reached the last canal tail. But now, we face neglect and are struggling for basic needs,” said another farmer.

They accused officials of releasing water sporadically to present misleading reports to higher authorities. “The officials release water just to prepare a hollow report of availability. But in reality, the water never reaches the farmers, especially those at the tail ends of the canal system,” said Hariram, another protesting farmer. “Prolonged absence of water will destroy our crops and deepen our economic crisis,” he added.

The farmers also claimed that repeated meetings with officials and local legislators have yielded nothing but empty promises. They warned of escalating their agitation into a large-scale movement if a permanent solution is not implemented soon.

The protest received support from local leaders and village heads, including Shamsher Singh from Nathuwas, Paluwas Sarpanch Ranbir Fauji, Kaluwas Sarpanch Ashish, and Ninan Sarpanch Mange Ram. Other supporters included Satbir, Sonu, Prakashi, Gopi, and Shoki, all of whom demanded a reliable water supply.

“We urge the government to take immediate steps to resolve this crisis. Water is essential for safeguarding our crops and livelihoods,” the farmers said collectively.

Attempts to reach Bhiwani Deputy Commissioner Mahavir Kaushik for his response went unanswered.