Bhakra water brings relief to farmers in Sirsa, Fatehabad

Farmers and residents in Sirsa and Fatehabad districts have received the much-needed relief as water has finally reached the Bhakra canal system, easing concerns over irrigation and drinking water shortage.

Amid ongoing water-sharing tensions between Punjab and Haryana, farmers were concerned about the approaching paddy season and the urgent need for water for green fodder. The arrival of Bhakra water has now eased their worries.

Water from the Bhakra main canal takes about two days to reach Tohana head. From there, it flows into six canals, including Sirsa Branch, Fatehabad Distributary, and others like Pirathla Rajwaha, Fatehabad Branch, Siddhmukh Canal, Samain Rajwaha, and Dhamtan Link Canal. Due to this network, Tohana of Fatehabad is often called the "City of Canals".

Now that water has arrived in all major canals of Sirsa district, including Kalanwali, Dabwali, Rania, and Sirsa City, both irrigation and drinking water needs will be met.

Over the past month, residents had been paying Rs 700-800 for private tankers due to a severe water crisis. With canal-fed waterhouses filling up again, the pressure on households will ease.

The delay in irrigation had also disrupted the sowing of cotton crops, with dry fields causing concern over reduced yield and planting area. The arrival of 2,800 cusecs from Punjab has given farmers hope.

However some areas, like Nathusari and Ellenabad, are still awaiting water as their supply comes via the Fatehabad branch, expected to reach by Sunday.

SDO Dharampal Panwar of the Irrigation Department’s Bani and Panjuana subdivisions confirmed that water had been released into Mammar, Sahdeva, Rori Branch, Gudha, Ranga, Bani Distributary, and Ottu Feeder to cover areas near the Rajasthan border.

While water is finally here, the cleaning of village water tanks remains incomplete. The authorities have been urged to act swiftly to prevent contaminated water from reaching households.