Tension over release of dam water

Jan 26, 2010

Jaipur, Jan. 25: In Karauli district, Panchana dam’s water assumed a caste colour as Gujjars refused to release water for command area dominated by Meenas.

The state government had postponed its programme to release water from the dam in view of differences between the two rival communities. The water from the dam was to be released from January 27. The state government sent its energy minister Jitendar Singh to Karauli to resolve the issue, but returned on Sunday night empty handed.

The problem began during the previous BJP regime and the quota agitation widened divide between the two communities. The dam area has villages dominated by Gujjars who assembled near the dam with lathis to demonstrate against the release of water. The state government deployed the police in large number. The government had invited both community leaders 10 days back for a joint meeting to work out a solution. Both the communities agreed during the meeting to release water.

However, the agreement could not be implemented as large number of people gathered around the dam and opposed the release of water. Gujjar leader Kirodi Singh Bainsla was active in the area while Dausa MP Kirodilal Meena already lodged a protest. ‘’The 13 villages under the dam area and have given land for dam have the first right to use water," said local leader Attar Singh.

Narayan Bareth

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