Controversy over the diversion of Bhakra canal water escalated on Monday as villagers from Balsamand and surrounding areas in Hisar district threatened to launch an agitation if water from the Bhakra command area is diverted to the Yamuna command area. At a meeting in Balsamand village, residents demanded that the Barwala branch receive water as per its sanctioned capacity and urged completion of pending canal projects. They warned of intensified protests if the region continues facing water shortages while its share is diverted elsewhere.
Sanctioned Capacity vs Actual Supply
Farmers in the Bhakra command area claim they have faced injustice for years. Although the sanctioned capacity of the Barwala branch from the Khanauri Head is 1,725 cusecs, only about 1,500 cusecs has been released for several years, affecting both drinking water and irrigation. They also allege that numerous villages are still denied their sanctioned water share. The renewed protest follows an ongoing agitation in Chanot village over the same issue.
Political Leaders Weigh In
INLD leader Prof Sampat Singh stated that Hansi town falls under the Yamuna command area and that the pipeline being laid from the Rajli Head to bring Bhakra water “is a violation of the set norms.” He said, “Water of Bhakra cannot be availed to the Yamuna command area without approval from the appropriate authorities.” Singh added that Hansi and Jind are part of the Yamuna command area and “any additional water requirement there should be met through the Yamuna system.” He confirmed that Chanot village lies within the Bhakra command area. Villagers in Balsamand asserted they would not allow diversion of Bhakra waters to the Yamuna command area.
Farmer Leaders' Warnings
Farmer leaders Sandeep Dhiranwas and Kurda Ram Nambardar said the Barwala branch is not receiving its sanctioned water share. They warned that if the government fails to act promptly, they will launch an agitation, noting that the shortage affects parts of Hisar and Bhiwani districts. The Pagri Sambhal Jatta Kisan Sangharsh Samiti also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the Hisar Deputy Commissioner, opposing the diversion of water from the Barwala branch to the Yamuna command area.
Alleged Cuts and Potential Crisis
Samiti leader Anil Gorchi alleged that cuts at several points along the Barwala branch have drastically reduced water supply to the Balsamand and Siwani regions. He claimed canal water supply could drop from seven days to only two days, creating a severe drinking water and irrigation crisis in nearly 100 to 150 villages. The committee demanded widening of the Barwala branch through the Bhakra Link Channel to enhance water supply and sought immediate restoration of adequate water to the Rana distributary, Mirzapur, Dhansu, Juglan, Siwani, Nalwa, Budak, Balsamand, Gorchi, Basra and Kabir minors, besides tail-end areas of Siwani. The samiti warned that if the issue is not resolved soon, it will be compelled to launch an agitation.
