Gujarat farmers face water woes, government brands them ‘water thieves’
Updated: Feb 15th, 2025
After running from pillar to post seeking water for irrigation, farmers in Gujarat have resorted to drawing water from canals in a desperate bid to save their crops.
In Surendranagar, the police have registered cases against 300 farmers for ‘water theft’. Moreover, a farmer from Muli village was jailed under the Prevention of Anti-Social Activities (PASA) Act for water theft.
On one hand, the government seems to have utterly failed to provide adequate water for irrigation to farmers, and on the other, it is branding them as ‘water thieves’. This inconsistent and unfair policy has sparked outrage not only in Surendranagar but across Gujarat.
Farmers struggling
The government boasts about doubling farmers’ income and making Gujarat prosperous, but the harsh reality is that farmers are struggling for irrigation water.
Farming in Gujarat has become increasingly expensive due to the high cost of fertilisers, pesticides, seeds, and labour. Even after relentless hard work, farmers do not get fair prices for their produce. In such dire circumstances, farmers are left with no option but to source water from canals to save their standing crops.
Local farmers have alleged that cases of water theft were registered against them simply for using irrigation water. In some instances, innocent farmers were falsely accused. Some farmers have even submitted affidavits admitting their mistakes, while others who couldn’t provide evidence of their innocence are still fighting legal battles. Just last month, a farmer from Muli was imprisoned under the PASA Act.
Reports indicate that many farmers have fled their homes due to fear of police action. Farmers argue that there are over 50 bootleggers in the area, each with more than five cases registered against them, yet no PASA action has been taken against them. Meanwhile, farmers are being thrown behind bars. In response, farmers are planning a massive rally in protest in the coming days.
Narmada water has reached the Little Rann of Kutch, worsening the condition of salt workers. While farmers struggle for irrigation water, Narmada water is being wasted in the ‘Rann’.
Several NGOs have brought this issue to the government’s attention, but no action has been taken. Thousands of litres of water are flowing into the Rann, yet no one seems to care. It appears that the government does not value water. Instead of saving the water that is harming salt workers, the government is jailing farmers who source water to save their crops.
This monsoon has been disastrous for farmers, as excessive rainfall has caused severe financial losses. Eventually, the government had to announce an agricultural relief package.
However, when it comes to providing benefits, the government finds excuses and imposes strict conditions. But when it comes to taking action against farmers, the government acts swiftly. Orders have been passed to imprison farmers, leading to widespread outrage among them.
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