Gadwal: Farmers Demand Immediate Water Release from Jurala Project
Farmers living under the left canal area of the Priyadarshini Jurala Project staged a major protest, demanding immediate release of irrigation water. The protest included villagers from Amarachinta, Mastipur, Nandimalla, Moolamalla, and Singampeta. They blocked the main road leading to the Jurala Project using tree trunks and barricades, bringing traffic to a halt.
The farmers said they had been promised water for their Rabi (Yasangi) crops until the end of April. However, they have been facing serious water shortages since the second week of March. This has put their crops at risk, especially now that they are close to harvesting.
“We planted our crops based on the promise of water until April. But the supply has been irregular and too little. If we don’t get water for at least two more weeks, everything we invested will be lost,” one of the farmers said.
The road blockade caused major traffic disruption, with vehicles stuck for nearly half a kilometer on both sides. Travelers were inconvenienced as the farmers refused to clear the road.
The protestors built temporary fences with thorn bushes and announced that they would not leave until water is released. They also said they want Makthal MLA Vakiti Srihari to visit and give a clear promise about the water supply.
Police from Amarachinta came to the site and tried to calm down the protestors. However, the farmers refused to move and said the protest would continue until their demands are met.
The situation remains tense, as farmers stay firm in their fight to save their crops and livelihoods.
