Pune: Following two days of protests by farmers along the Pune-Solapur highway, residents of 30 villages in Indapur breathed a sigh of relief on Saturday as the state irrigation department acceded to their demands by agreeing to release 0.5 TMC water from the Khadakwasla irrigation division for the region.
The decision, facilitated after intervention from the district administration and deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar, comes as a significant respite for the villagers grappling with acute water scarcity. This water release, expected to reach them via the Khadakwasla canal by Monday, is anticipated to address both drinking water needs and support farming activities to some extent.
Acknowledging the crucial lifeline this water rotation represents, Ramesh Khartode, founder of the Pani Sangarsh Samiti, expressed gratitude for the prompt action, stating, “It is a big relief. We were expecting 0.8 TMC water. But the current rotation is welcome. We will be able to survive for the next fortnight.” Indapur, renowned for its fruit plantations, particularly high-quality pomegranates, faced a precarious situation this year due to the water crisis. With farmers heavily reliant on the Khadakwasla canal network for irrigation, the water release is seen as essential to safeguarding livelihoods and preserving agricultural produce.
However, the struggle endured by farmers underscores the broader challenges posed by water scarcity, with some resorting to purchasing water from private agencies at considerable expense. The protest staged by farmers, which briefly disrupted traffic on the highway, underscored the urgency of the situation and the need for prompt government intervention. While the current water release provides temporary relief, it underscores the imperative for sustainable water management practices and long-term solutions to address the underlying issues contributing to water scarcity in the region. As Indapur’s agricultural community looks ahead, sustained government support and proactive measures will be essential to ensure the resilience and viability of farming livelihoods in the face of mounting challenges.
