Jaipur: Representatives of Karauli district's Gudla Panchana Sangharsh Samiti on Friday said state government officials assured them that drinking water would be supplied to 39 villages in the Panchana-Gudla region through the proposed Panchana-Gudla Lift Project, in line with the state budget announcement.
The assurance came even as farmers in neighbouring Sawai Madhopur continued their agitation, demanding release of water from the Panchana Dam into canals serving the command area, citing a Rajasthan High Court order.
Meeting chaired by Bharatpur Divisional Commissioner
Bharatpur Divisional Commissioner Nalini Kathotia, who chaired the meeting, said, “Both Sawai Madhopur and Karauli farmers' groups were present today. The discussion took place in a cordial atmosphere. Our effort is to ensure that both groups work together to find a solution amicably.”
The Rajasthan government has earmarked Rs 50 crore for the lift project, aimed at providing pressurised drinking water to the surrounding villages and resolving a long-standing dispute over water availability in the region.
Farmers' reactions and next steps
“We have been agitating for the past 21 years. Today, the authorities assured us that as per the budget announcement, water would be released to 39 villages by this financial year,” said Ashok Singh Dhabhai, president of the Gudla Panchana Sangharsh Samiti. This dialogue occurs after representatives from Karauli district opted out of a similar discussion the previous day, which was attended solely by those from the command area in Sawai Madhopur.
“We have given the government time until June 27 to fulfill our demands in compliance with the high court order. If our demands are not met, a large number of farmers will take out a massive march on June 28,” warned Gangapur MLA Ramkesh Meena, who is spearheading the protests in Sawai Madhopur.
The ongoing sit-in by farmers at Khandip village has now reached its 15th day. They are pressing for water to be released into their canals as ordered by the Rajasthan High Court. Meena criticised the government's lack of positive responses after weeks of agitation, saying, “We are not asking for any kind of financial assistance from the government but are demanding our share of water.”
Mahapanchayat and political reactions
Additionally, during a recent mahapanchayat, farmers from around 360 villages voiced their concerns, and Meena expressed willingness for the government to ensure water supply to all regions. He also took issue with Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham's alleged lack of engagement with farmers during his recent visit to a nearby village, which he said caused disappointment.
Former minister Golma Devi also joined the protests, vowing support until the high court's order is implemented, emphasising the farmers' determination for water release from the Panchana Dam.
