Explainer: Tension over water dispute leads to protests, pipe removal & clashes

A conflict over water distribution has erupted in Sirsa district, especially around kharif channels connected to Ghaggar river. These seasonal channels Sahdeva, Mammar and Ratta Khera were designed to help irrigate farmland, particularly tail-end villages. However, illegal pipelines and solar pump systems installed by the farmers in upstream areas have triggered unrest, as the downstream farmers complain that they haven’t received water in years. The district administration, led by District Council CEO Subhash Chandra and XEN Sandeep Sharma, has launched a drive to remove unauthorised connections, prompting protests, clashes and calls for political intervention. The situation remains tense with no immediate resolution in sight.