Gharsana Farmers Semi Naked Protest: Demand Water In 2 Out Of 4 Groups

The protest by farmers in Nai Mandi Gharsana, located in the Sri Ganganagar district, regarding the urgent demand for irrigation water has entered its eighth consecutive day. On Thursday, the agitation took a dramatic and symbolic turn as farmers organized a semi-naked rally to send a powerful message to the state government and the irrigation department. The protesters marched through the main markets of the town and eventually reached the Dhan Mandi, where they raised slogans against the administration's perceived indifference to their agricultural crisis.

Core Demands for Irrigation and Regulation

The primary demand of the agitating farmers centers on the provision of irrigation water in 2 out of 4 groups for the Anupgarh branch of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project (IGNP). Currently, the farmers are highly dissatisfied with the existing water distribution schedule. In addition to this, they're demanding the issuance of a permanent 6-month regulation for the upcoming Rabi season to ensure a predictable and stable water supply for their crops. The farmers also insist that the Anupgarh branch should be kept reserved to protect their long-term agricultural interests, while according to the protesters, the absence of a permanent regulation leads to a recurring cycle of protests every season, which causes significant mental and financial distress to the entire farming community in the region.

Crop Damage and Compensation Requirements

During the protest, the farmers highlighted the severe damage caused to Kharif crops, specifically Moong, Guar, and Narma (cotton), due to the combined effect of insufficient rainfall and the lack of timely irrigation water. They've formally demanded that the government conduct a special Girdawari (crop assessment) to accurately evaluate the extent of the losses on the ground. Following this assessment, the farmers are seeking fair compensation for all affected individuals and the immediate processing of insurance payments under the prevailing crop insurance schemes. They emphasized that without this financial support, many farmers would face total ruin.

Allegations Against Irrigation Department Officials

Farmer leader Harvinder Singh Sandhu pointed out a significant discrepancy in the management of canal water. He stated that despite approximately 13000 cusecs of water flowing in the canal, the farmers aren't receiving an adequate supply as per their actual requirements. Sandhu alleged that while the farmers had specifically demanded water in 2 out of 4 groups, the department instead implemented a regulation of 1 out of 3 groups starting from September 8. Consequently, the farmers are demanding the immediate removal of Chief Engineer Pradeep Rastogi and Additional Chief Engineer Sunil Kataria of IGNP Hanumangarh. The protesters allege that the policies and decisions made by these two officials have severely hampered the irrigation system and harmed the interests of the farmers.

Ultimatum for September 18 Administrative Shutdown

The farmer leaders have issued a stern ultimatum to the local administration and the state government. They stated that if no concrete and satisfactory action is taken on their demands by September 17, the movement will be Importantly intensified on September 18. According to the plan, a large number of farmers, accompanied by their tractor-trolleys, will converge in Gharsana to escalate the protest. The leaders have threatened to completely shut down all administrative operations, including the Tehsil office and the entire sub-division, if their demands for a 6-month permanent regulation and water in 2 out of 4 groups aren't officially met. The farmers have made it clear that their struggle will continue unabated until these specific irrigation arrangements are fully implemented.