Farmers urge Satish Poonia to take swift action on water crisis

Farmers in the Weir region are urging Satish Poonia, the former state president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to expedite the approval of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) to address the critical water issue. During his journey from Jaipur to Bharatpur, Poonia engaged in discussions with local BJP leaders and farmer representatives at Kaswa Hailena, where the severe water problems were brought to his attention.

Farmers’ leader Indal Singh Jat emphasised the need for the government, now operating with a “double engine,” to fulfil its promise concerning the ERCP. Singh highlighted that the ERCP proposal has been pending with the central government for five years, despite assurances from prominent BJP leaders, including the Prime Minister and Home Minister, during the previous elections. Farmers emphasised the water crisis affecting districts like Bharatpur, Dausa, Alwar, Karauli, and Jaipur. Singh pointed out that even the deep tube wells of farmers have dried up, severely impacting agriculture.
The farmers are seeking approval for 50% water dependence on the ERCP for irrigation, stating that a 75% dependency would only provide drinking water, leaving farmers without water for cultivation. If the central government approves the ERCP with a 50% to 75% water dependence, farmers express their intent to protest.

Satish Poonia assured the farmers that he would discuss the matter with top leaders and advocate for their concerns. Local BJP leaders welcomed Poonia during the interaction. Present at the event were farmer leader Indal Singh Jat, former state minister Mahendra Jatav, and former BJP district president Govind Gupta.