Rohtak farmers up in arms over waterlogging, stage dharna

Farmers facing waterlogging in various villages under Meham subdivision are up in arms against the state government, alleging that the accumulated rainwater has still not been drained from their fields.

Led by the All India Kisan Sabha (AIKS), the farmers today staged a dharna outside the Tehsil office in Meham town and submitted a memorandum to the Tehsildar. They demanded adequate compensation for the crop damage and immediate measures to drain the stagnant water from their fields.

The farmers also warned the authorities that if their demands are not met soon, they would be forced to launch intensified agitation.

“Hundreds of acres of agricultural land in various villages under the Meham subdivision are still submerged, unabling the farmers to sow the wheat crop, yet the state government has not provided any compensation to help them recover from the crisis. Most farmers have no other source of income, leaving them in a crisis,” said Sumit Dalal, state secretary, AIKS.

Rai Singh, another farm leader, demanded that a permanent, one-time drainage plan be formulated for villages such as Saiman, Badali, Bedwa, Farmana, Bhaini Chandrapal, Bhaini Maharajpur, Bhaini Bhairon, Bhainimato, Bahalamba, Mokhra, Madina, Nindana, and Meham — where waterlogging persists — so that farmers don’t continue to suffer in the future.

“Additionally, special girdawari should be conducted to assess the loss in those villages where wheat could not be sown due to waterlogging, and the report should be sent to Chandigarh immediately,” he added.

Preet Singh, district vice-president, AIKS, alleged that farmers were being exploited at every step.

“They do not receive timely or full compensation; their crops are not procured at MSP in the mandis; when they go to purchase fertilisers, additional unwanted items are forcibly pushed on them; and under the electricity law, smart meters are being proposed for installation in their homes. Farmers keep running from one official to another with their grievances, yet neither their concerns are heard nor solutions are provided,” he claimed.