Fearing deforestation, farmers, labourers protest concrete lining of canals in Faridkot

In a strong show of unity, members of various NGOs, farmers’ unions, employee and labour organisations took to the streets of Faridkot on Sunday to protest the controversial concrete lining of the Rajasthan Feeder and Sirhind Feeder canals in the area.

The protest was organised under the banner of Jal Jeevan Bachao Morcha, a coalition of groups advocating for the protection of water resources and sustainable irrigation practices.

The road march, which saw a significant turnout of activists, farmers, and workers, was carried out in the busy streets of Faridkot, with participants holding placards and chanting slogans against the ongoing canal lining project.

Protesters argued that the concrete lining would not only damage the environment, axing of thousands of trees, but also disrupt the natural seepage of the canal water, which made the ground water drinkable in this area.

Besides harming the agricultural community in this area, the concrete lining of the canals would leave the area’s residents without the access to drinking water, alleged the protesters.

Leaders of Jal Jeevan Bachao Morcha quoted the report of the Water Resources Ministry of Punjab, according to which only 29 per cent of the water of Faridkot and its adjoining rural area is drinkable after seepage from these canals and with the concrete lining of these canals, there would be no seepage and no availability of drinking water to the area’s residents.

The leaders emphasised that the concrete lining was an inefficient and short-sighted approach, urging the government to reconsider the project.

They claimed that traditional methods of canal management, which maintained the natural absorption and filtration of water, were far more effective in sustaining local agriculture and conserving water resources.

Representatives of farmers’ unions expressed concerns about the impact on their crops and livelihoods. “We are already facing challenges with water scarcity, and this project will only make things worse for us,” said one of the protest leaders.

Members of employee and labour organisations also joined the protest, expressing solidarity with farmers and highlighting concerns about the long-term environmental and economic consequences of the project. The Jal Jeevan Bachao Morcha has vowed to continue its fight until the government addresses their concerns and takes steps to protect the region’s water resources.