Water Crisis in 120 Villages of Jalore, Rajasthan: Farmers Demand Narmada Canal Water for Bandi River

Under the banner of the 'Bandi Nadi Bachao Sangharsh Samiti', farmers and villagers in Jalore, Rajasthan, have submitted a memorandum to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Bhinmal. They are protesting against the persistent drinking water and irrigation crisis that has plagued the region for nearly two decades.

Key Issues and Demands:
- Water Crisis: The construction of the Sindhara Dam in 2006 has disrupted the natural flow of the Bandi River, leading to a significant drop in groundwater levels across 120 villages in the catchment area, severely impacting agriculture and animal husbandry.
- Narmada Canal Water: Farmers are urging the government to release untreated Narmada Canal water into the Bandi River via pipelines near Bharudi village during the four monsoon months. They argue this will facilitate groundwater recharge without placing an additional financial burden on the state.
- Structural Changes to Sindhara Dam: The committee demands reducing the dam's height from 45 feet to 22 feet and installing new gates to ensure a controlled water flow to downstream areas during the monsoon.
- Urgent Action: Farmer leader Shravan Singh Rathore stated that while the dam has filled multiple times since its inception, the water has not been effectively utilized for irrigation or drinking purposes.

Future Agitation:
The Samiti has warned of a large-scale movement if the state government fails to address these concerns positively. A meeting of farmers is scheduled for July 29 to outline the framework for future protests if their demands are ignored.