Farmers protesting at Khandip village in Sawai Madhopur over the release of water from Panchana Dam into command area canals continued their agitation for the 16th day on Saturday, demanding compliance with a Rajasthan High Court order.
Peaceful Protest Led by Panchana Command Area Vikas Sangharsh Samiti
The protest, led by the Panchana Command Area Vikas Sangharsh Samiti, remained peaceful, with the Samiti urging participants to maintain discipline and pursue their demand through lawful means. Gangapur MLA Ramkesh Meena and Samiti members appealed to farmers and residents of affected villages to join the movement peacefully, asserting that no damage should be caused to railway tracks, national highways, or any government property or public infrastructure.
Support from Former MLA Motilal Meena
Former Sawai Madhopur MLA Motilal Meena also visited the protest site to support the farmers’ mahapanchayat. Addressing the gathering, he said the farmers’ fight for water rights continued from streets to courts, and that the High Court’s decision was in their favour. According to Meena, the court order mandates the release of water, and the state government must comply.
Deadline Set for State Government
The Samiti has given the state government time until June 27 to release water into the canals. If the demand is not met, the Samiti has indicated further action, though specific measures have not been disclosed.
Assurances for Drinking Water Supply
Representatives of the Gudla Panchana Sangharsh Samiti from Karauli said on Friday that officials had assured them drinking water would be supplied to 39 villages in the Panchana-Gudla region through the proposed Panchana-Gudla Lift Project, announced in the state budget. This project aims to address long-standing water scarcity in the region.
The protest highlights ongoing tensions over water distribution in Rajasthan, with farmers relying on court orders to secure irrigation water. The outcome of the June 27 deadline remains uncertain as both sides await government action.
