Jaisalmer: Amid a severe shortage of water in the Indira Gandhi Canal Project and growing resentment among farmers in Jaisalmer district, Jaisalmer MLA Chhotu Singh Bhati has written to chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, urging the state govt to ensure adequate canal water supply to the region and address farmers’ concerns.In his letter, Bhati sought the continuation of the existing water distribution schedule for Jaisalmer and additional water to compensate for the shortfall in previous supply cycles. He said the shortage was adversely affecting standing crops and raising serious concerns over the upcoming rabi sowing season.As part of his efforts to resolve the issue, Bhati met Additional Chief Secretary Akhil Arora at the chief minister’s office two days ago. He also spoke to water resources minister Suresh Singh Rawat on the phone and held a meeting with Indira Gandhi Canal Project Chief Engineer Amarjeet Singh, urging officials to take necessary steps to ensure the region receives its allocated share of canal water.Bhati said the Water Distribution and Consumption Advisory Committee, at its meeting on Sept 28, 2026, had decided to operate the canals under the existing “one group out of three” rotational system for Jaisalmer. He stressed that the arrangement should continue beyond October 19 to ensure adequate water for irrigation.Highlighting the severity of the crisis, the MLA said that against the allocated supply of around 2,250 cusecs for Jaisalmer, the first rotation over the preceding 15-day period had received no water. Despite special alternative arrangements, the supply during the second rotation was only around 1,000 cusecs, which was insufficient to meet irrigation requirements.He further pointed out that against the expected 10,800 cusecs at Harike Head, the stipulated 10,400 cusecs had also not been made available at Tail Feeder Division (TFD).Bhati said inadequate water supply had affected crops, heightened farmers’ anxiety over rabi sowing and forced them to stage protests. Any change in the existing distribution schedule, he warned, could further aggravate their difficulties.The minister and officials assured the MLA that necessary directions would be issued to canal authorities to streamline water supply and compensate Jaisalmer for the earlier shortfall, he said.
Jaisalmer MLA writes to CM over canal water shortage, seeks compensation for farmers | Jaipur News
