Farmers split over removal of pipelines from canals in Sirsa

A major water dispute has erupted in the Ghaggar region of Sirsa, following the removal of pipelines from canals linked to the Ghaggar river. Farmers are split over the issue while some are calling for the immediate removal of illegal pipelines, others are asking the government to halt the process until proper alternatives for irrigation are in place.

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In a letter to Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Sirsa MP Kumari Selja raised concern over the ongoing removal of pipelines. She said the move had created serious problems for farmers who depend on these seasonal canals for irrigation. Selja requested that the decision to remove pipelines be reconsidered and necessary repairs to canal embankments be completed before the onset of monsoon to avoid crop damage from potential flooding.

Tensions are rising in Shekhupuria, Karamgarh, Sahuwala and Panniwala Mota villages. Farmers from these tail-end villages claim that despite removal of hundreds of illegal pipelines from canals, many still exist in their area. They say water does not reach their fields because farmers in starting villages are using illegal pumps and pipelines to draw more than their share of water.

These villagers allege that farmers in upper villages are being protected by political leaders, which is why their illegal water connections have not been removed.

“If the government is serious about equal water distribution, why are only some pipelines being removed?” asked a farmer from Sahuwala village.

The issue first began when farmers from end-point villages complained to the authorities that they were not getting rainwater due to illegal structures built upstream. In response, the Irrigation Department began removing unauthorised pipelines, motors and solar-powered connections using earthmoving machines. Now, uneven enforcement has created furore among those affected by water shortage.

Selja emphasised that the original purpose of these canals in Sehdeva, Mammar and Rattakhera villages was to ensure water for irrigation in fields at such distant villages. She urged the CM to not only provide fair solution for all farmers, but also prioritise embankment repairs before arrival of heavy rain. She said timely government action was essential to prevent damage and restore farmers’ trust in the system.

A farmer from the Karamgarh village said as monsoon approaches, the need for a balanced and transparent solution becomes more urgent so that all farmers, regardless of location or influence, get their fair share of water.