Ghadsana Farmers Protest: Mandi Closure and Road Blockade Warning Over Irrigation Water

The farmers' protest in Ghadsana, situated in the Anupgarh district of Sri Ganganagar, has reached a critical juncture as it entered its ninth consecutive day. Under the leadership of the Khet Bachao Sangharsh Samiti, farmers have been staging a massive sit-in (Mahapadav) at the New Mandi Ghadsana, demanding a consistent and adequate supply of irrigation water. The protesters have made it clear that they won't vacate the site until their demands are met by the state government and the local administration. They've also issued a stern warning to the authorities, urging them not to underestimate the intensity of the movement.

Escalation Strategy: Mandi Closure and Chakkajam

In a bid to intensify their agitation, the farmer leaders have announced two major decisions that could Importantly impact the region's economic and transport activities. Farmer leader Narendra Maan declared that starting from September 22, all grain markets (mandis) connected to the Anupgarh branch will be closed for an indefinite period. This move is intended to draw the government's attention to the plight of the farming community. Plus, the farmers have warned that if their demands remain unaddressed even after the mandi closure, they will proceed with a total road blockade (Chakkajam) on September 24. This escalation reflects the growing frustration among farmers who are worried about the upcoming Rabi sowing season.

Focus on the September 21 Regulation Review Meeting

The farmers are now pinning their hopes on the high-level regulation review meeting scheduled for September 21 in Hanumangarh. According to Narendra Maan, the Chief Engineer of the Irrigation Department and other senior officials will participate in this meeting to review the water regulation for the canals. A new regulation is expected to be released following the discussions on Monday. The farmers' primary demand is the reservation of irrigation water for a period of six months. Also, they're insisting that water be provided to two out of every four groups to ensure that all fields receive adequate moisture for the Rabi crops. The farmers emphasize that a proper and transparent regulation is essential for their survival.

Nine Days of Persistent Agitation

The Mahapadav under the Khet Bachao Sangharsh Samiti has seen various forms of protest over the last 9 days. Farmers from across the region arrived in Ghadsana with a large number of tractors to demonstrate their strength. They previously surrounded the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) office and announced a complete shutdown of administrative work. Despite the prolonged protest, the farmers expressed deep resentment over the fact that no formal invitation for talks was extended by the administration on Friday. They termed this lack of communication as unfortunate and urged the administration to take the protest seriously before the situation escalates further.

Administrative Response and Technical Data

District Collector Dr. Amit Yadav has provided an update on the administrative measures being taken in the region. He stated that under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, crop cutting for Moong has been completed in 91 out of the 100 designated locations in the Ghadsana area. The remaining 9 locations are expected to be covered within the next 2 to 3 days. Patwaris have been instructed to conduct preliminary assessments and special Girdawari (land inspection). Regarding the water levels, the Collector mentioned that the water level in the Pong and Ranjit Sagar dams is currently around 1372 feet. A high-level meeting of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) is also scheduled for September 21 to determine the water share and future regulation. While some points of agreement have been reached with the farmers, their demand for the removal of certain irrigation department officials has been forwarded to higher authorities for consideration.