Authorities in Gujarat&rsquo;s Surendranagar district have registered 300 cases of water theft against farmers, with at least one arrest reported. The crackdown comes as farmers struggle with severe irrigation shortages, fueling widespread resentment over what they call a failure of governance.
Farmers allege that despite their repeated demands, the government has not ensured adequate irrigation water, leaving them with no choice but to draw water from the Narmada canal. Meanwhile, state authorities argue that the water is being reserved for drinking purposes in drought-prone regions like Rajkot, Kutch, and Jamnagar. Over the past month, around 50 farmers have been arrested across Gujarat for similar offenses.
The Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL) has filed multiple complaints, leading to police action in villages such as Virendranagar and Jesda, where farmers were accused of using unauthorized water-lifting pumps. In response, nearly 600 State Reserve Police personnel have been deployed to guard the Maliya branch of the Narmada canal to prevent further extractions.
Farmers, however, say they are being unfairly targeted. Some claim false cases have been registered, while others say they have admitted to minor infractions but have no legal recourse to prove their innocence. They argue that the crackdown ignores the larger issue&mdash;how farmers are supposed to cultivate their crops if irrigation water is not made available.
With the government also imposing strict conditions on agricultural relief packages, the dispute has intensified. Farmer unions have called for an urgent review of irrigation policies, warning that continued legal action without a resolution could escalate tensions further.
Authorities have yet to respond to the allegations of harassment. The situation remains tense as farmers demand immediate action to address the ongoing water crisis.

Farmer unions have called for an urgent review of irrigation policies

Surendranagar farmers face charges amid irrigation crisis, call crackdown unjust

300 Farmers Booked for Stealing Water

Surendranagar farmers face charges amid irrigation crisis, call crackdown unjust

February 15, 2025 | 15:56 IST