Rajasthan minister assures farmers of action on Gang Canal and Ferozepur Feeder Canal issues

Rajasthan’s Minister of Food and Civil Supplies, Sumit Godara, assured farmers in Sriganganagar that the state government would take up the issues of unstable water supply through the Gang Canal and the reconstruction of the Ferozepur Feeder Canal at the state level.

Godara, who is also the minister-in-charge for Sriganganagar, addressed farmers during a protest meeting held in the district. He urged the farmers to visit Jaipur for further discussions on the critical water supply issues affecting agriculture in the region, including Sriganganagar, Hanumangarh, and other areas.

The farmers, who had gathered to voice their concerns, are demanding a continuous supply of 2500 cusecs of water through the Gang Canal for crop cultivation. They also called for 1250 cusecs of water in the Bhakra Canal until March 20, the installation of a gauge at Khakhan Headworks in Ferozepur to monitor the water flow in the Gang Canal, and the reconstruction of the Ferozepur Feeder Canal within the current financial year.

Kisan Army convener Maninder Singh Mann emphasised the severe threat to agriculture due to the ongoing water shortages in the Gang Canal and Bhakra system canals. Ravindra Tarkhan added that while water supply had been stable in the Gang Canal in recent days, it had recently dropped to 1800 cusecs from the required 2500 cusecs. He also highlighted a significant loss of over 500 cusecs in transit, urging the installation of a gauge at Khakhan Headworks to address the issue.

Farmer leaders, including Kisan Sangharsh Samiti district president Amar Singh Bishnoi, also called for an increase in the water level of the Pong Dam by 10 feet, from the current 1318 feet to 1410 feet, to help address the water shortage. They also stressed the need to ensure a consistent 1250 cusecs of water in the Bhakra system canal.

Despite a 30 percent reduction in sowing this year, farmers continue to face a persistent irrigation crisis, causing deep concern about the viability of their crops.