The ongoing agitation by farmers in the Karauli and Sawai Madhopur districts of Rajasthan regarding the release of Panchna Dam water into canals has transformed into a significant public movement and a major political issue. The farmer Mahapanchayat, which is being held in Khandip village of the Wazirpur subdivision, continued for its 12th consecutive day on Tuesday. The situation escalated Notably when a large number of farmers, including women and local villagers, marched towards the Delhi-Mumbai railway track. The protesters occupied the tracks for approximately one hour, effectively halting rail traffic on this critical route. Upon receiving information about the blockade, police and administrative officials rushed to the spot and engaged in discussions with the protesters to clear the tracks.
The Core Dispute and High Court Orders
The primary demand of the thousands of farmers participating in the movement is the immediate release of water from the Panchna Dam into the irrigation canals. The protesters are also calling for the strict implementation of the High Court's orders regarding water distribution. While thousands of farmers are gathered in Khandip for the protest, the situation remains complex as 39 Gujjar-dominated villages are maintaining a constant vigil at the Panchna Dam itself to monitor the situation. The indefinite Mahapanchayat in Khandip village has seen a systematic organization where responsibilities are assigned to different villages on a daily basis to ensure the continuity of the protest, while thousands of men and women from the region are reaching the protest site using various modes of transport, including tractors, buses, and other private vehicles.
Cultural Resistance and Political Leadership
To maintain the momentum of the 12 day long protest, the organizers have integrated cultural and community programs such as Ramrasiya, Pad Dangal, and various public awareness initiatives. These programs serve to keep the protesters engaged and draw more people from the surrounding areas. Ramkesh Meena, the MLA from Gangapur City and the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, has been present at the protest site for the last 12 days, providing political weight to the farmers' demands. He's leading the movement alongside the Panchna Command Area Development Sangharsh Samiti, village elders (Panch-Patel), and representatives from various sections of society. The protest on Tuesday, 16 June, saw a massive surge in participation as villagers reached the railway crossing and tracks in large numbers, causing a state of panic among railway and administrative authorities due to the potential long-term disruption of the Delhi-Mumbai rail link.
Impact on Railway Operations and Administrative Warnings
The protest has already begun to impact railway schedules, while just a day prior to the major blockade, the Awadh Express had to be halted for about 30 minutes due to the ongoing agitation. Given the increasing crowds on the railway tracks and the frequency of demonstrations, a high-level meeting was organized at the Wazirpur police station on Monday evening involving MLA Ramkesh Meena. During this meeting, SSP Rakesh Rajoura and DSP Raj Meena made a formal appeal to the protesters to stay away from the railway tracks. The officials issued a stern warning against obstructing rail traffic, highlighting the legal and safety implications of such actions. Despite these warnings, the farmers have remained steadfast in their demands, insisting that the water from the Panchna Dam must be released to support the agricultural needs of the command area villages.