Farmers oppose mandatory solar panel installation for tubewells

Farmers have voiced concerns over the Haryana Government's push to install solar panels for operating tubewells, urging authorities to prioritise electricity connections instead.

Speaking at a meeting organised by the Bhartiya Kisan Sangh (BKS) in Bhagwanpur (Ghoro Pipli) village on Saturday, BKS general secretary Rambir Singh Chauhan said, "It is not possible for farmers to protect solar panels, as these are often stolen from agricultural fields. The government should focus on releasing electricity connections for tubewells on top priority instead of forcing them to rely on solar energy."

The meeting, attended by several BKS leaders, addressed a range of farmer issues. District president Suresh Rana, along with leaders Pratap Singh, Ram Kumar Kamalpur, Pandit Lakhmi Chand, Madan Bhagat and others, participated in the discussions.

Chauhan also highlighted the financial strain on farmers due to reliance on diesel engines for tubewells. "The state government should expedite the issuance of electricity connections for tubewells, reducing farmers' dependency on expensive and environmentally harmful diesel engines," he added.

The construction of a long-demanded bridge over the Yamuna between Yamunanagar and Ghoro Pipli village was another significant issue discussed.

"The residents of Ghoro Pipli and surrounding villages have been urging the government to build this bridge for years. Despite boycotting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections as a form of protest, the government has ignored their demand," said Chauhan.

Farmers reiterated their call for urgent government action to address these pressing issues.