Nohar Farmers Mahapanchayat: Demand For 332 Cusecs Water In Feeder Escalates

In a significant show of strength, a massive farmer Mahapanchayat was organized at Bhadra Mod in Nohar, Hanumangarh, on Tuesday. The primary objective of this gathering was to demand an adequate supply of irrigation water in the Nohar Feeder. Under the aegis of the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Nohar Feeder Sangharsh Samiti, a large number of farmers arrived at the venue driving their tractors, signaling a resolute stance against the current water crisis affecting the region.

Demand for 332 Cusecs of Water

The central demand raised during the Mahapanchayat was to increase the water flow in the Nohar Feeder to 332 cusecs. Farmer representatives highlighted that the current flow is approximately 150 cusecs, which is grossly insufficient to meet the irrigation requirements of the area. This water shortage directly impacts the livelihoods of farmers across nearly 35 villages that are dependent on the Nohar Feeder for their agricultural activities. The farmers expressed grave concerns that if the water supply isn't increased for the upcoming crops, it will lead to a severe adverse impact on their agricultural yield.

11 Point Demand and Administrative Warning

Following the discussions at the Mahapanchayat, the farmers submitted an 11-point demand letter to the administration. They warned that if their demands aren't addressed promptly, they would intensify their movement, including a planned gherao of the SDM office, while the Mahapanchayat received significant political backing, with both the CPIM and the Congress party extending their support to the farmers' cause. Nohar MLA Amit Chachan also joined the protest to stand in solidarity with the farming community.

Political Leaders Address the Gathering

Several prominent leaders addressed the farmers, including former MLA Balwan Poonia and CPIM leader Mangej Chaudhary. They emphasized that access to irrigation water is a fundamental right of the farmers and vowed to continue the struggle until justice is served. Balwan Poonia raised questions regarding the role of certain canal presidents, accusing them of misleading the farmers, while meanwhile, Mangej Chaudhary countered arguments that increasing the water flow might lead to canal breaches, stating that the Nohar Feeder can easily accommodate a flow of 150 to 170 cusecs without risk.

The Role of Haryana and Local Support

MLA Amit Chachan pointed out that the water for the Nohar Feeder originates from Haryana. He alleged that Haryana's arbitrary actions have consistently affected the water share of local farmers, a situation he described as intolerable. He insisted that the farmers must receive their full designated share of irrigation water, while the local administration and police remained on high alert throughout the event to maintain order. To support the protesting farmers, residents of Ariyawali village and the local Gurudwara committee arranged for water and langar (community kitchen) services, ensuring that the participants were well-cared for during the Mahapanchayat.