Villagers in Balsamand and surrounding areas in the Bhakra command area have threatened to launch an agitation over inadequate water supply. They are also opposing the diversion of Bhakra water from its command area to the Yamuna command area.
At a meeting held in Balsamand village, residents made their demands clear. They want water to be released into the Barwala branch as per its sanctioned capacity. They also demanded that pending projects be completed without further delay.
Farmers Allege Years of Injustice Over Water Supply
The villagers warned that they will launch an agitation if the water shortage continues and if their share of water is diverted to other areas. They alleged that farmers in the Bhakra command area have faced injustice for years.
According to the villagers, the sanctioned capacity of the Barwala branch from the Khanauri Head is 1,725 cusecs. However, only around 1,500 cusecs have been released for years. This shortfall has caused serious hardships in both drinking water and irrigation for the region.
Our Take: A Long-Standing Grievance That Needs Urgent Attention
This is not a sudden protest. The villagers have been facing a water deficit for years — 225 cusecs less than what is sanctioned. That is a significant gap. When water is then diverted to the Yamuna command area, it adds to the frustration. In our view, the authorities must address this issue before it escalates. Completing pending projects and restoring full sanctioned flow should be the first step. Ignoring these demands will only lead to a larger confrontation.