Farmers in the Khajuwala area of Rajasthan's Bikaner district are escalating their protest against the state government and the Irrigation Department, demanding a 58 percent allocation of irrigation water to safeguard their livelihoods. Tensions have mounted after local agrarian leaders gathered to organize an all-out agitation, culminating in a major show of strength scheduled for September 21 in Gharsana. The agricultural community stresses that persistent shortages of canal water have severely impaired crop yields, subjecting farmers across the region to escalating financial hardship.
Escalating Agitation and Key Demands for Irrigation Share
The allocation of canal water has remained a longstanding point of contention among local cultivators in Bikaner. To secure a permanent remedy, unified farmer organizations have now placed the demand for a 58 percent share of irrigation water at the center of their movement. Agriculture remains the primary economic backbone for families in Khajuwala and neighboring villages. According to farm representatives, inconsistent water releases by the canal authorities have derailed farming schedules and damaged standing crops. The proposed rally aims to compel government officials and regional administrators to address these supply grievances without further delay.
Khajuwala Strategy Session and Ultimatum to Irrigation Officials
To give momentum to the movement, prominent activist leaders visited Khajuwala and conducted strategic meetings with local cultivators. During these discussions, leaders emphasized the necessity of unified action to build sustained pressure on the administration. Out of four primary group divisions within the regional agricultural network, leaders explicitly urged two groups to intensify their involvement in the water rights campaign. Addressing the gathering, Comrade Sheopat Ram launched a direct critique against the state government and the Irrigation Department. He asserted that no compromise would be made regarding the rights of the farming community, demanding the immediate removal of the Chief Engineer and pledging that farmers would secure their full share of water.
Grassroots Outreach and Mobilization Ahead of Gharsana Rally
Preparations are progressing rapidly to ensure a substantial turnout at the Gharsana demonstration on September 21. Mobilization teams are conducting village-to-village outreach campaigns, holding local meetings to encourage widespread community participation. Organizers have indicated that if the authorities fail to offer a constructive resolution before the scheduled date, the agitation will be expanded across broader administrative zones. Consequently, the upcoming Gharsana gathering is expected to present a significant administrative challenge for both local officials and state authorities.
