Former Haryana Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Sunday visited Rithal village to meet protesting farmers from nearby villages who have been staging a dharna over water-related problems.
Addressing the gathering, Hooda said Haryana is currently facing a severe shortage of electricity and water. He alleged that farmers are not getting enough water for irrigation, while many people are also struggling to access drinking water. “The BJP government is responsible for the present situation,” Hooda said.
During his visit, Hooda listened to the grievances of the farmers and villagers and directed officials on the spot to consider and accept their demands. He also said he had written a DO letter to the Chief Minister regarding the issue.
The villagers alleged that after the lining of the JLN canal bed in 2022, groundwater recharge in the surrounding areas has almost stopped. As a result, water in nearby tube wells and hand pumps has turned saline, creating serious problems for residents.
They further claimed that the government is now preparing to line the BSB canal as well, which could worsen the drinking water crisis and make irrigation even more difficult in the region.
The villagers demanded that the canal bed should remain unlined and earthen from head to tail to allow groundwater recharge. They also sought the construction of ghats at every bridge along the BSB canal and access steps on both sides of the canal at suitable points.
Another key demand raised by the villagers was that all villages located within a 10-kilometre radius on both sides of the JLN canal should be provided drinking water directly from the canal.
Hooda termed the villagers’ demands as genuine and assured them that he would raise the matter with administrative officials as well as the state government. He said he would make every possible effort to ensure that the demands are fulfilled.
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