Rising heat, sinking groundwater and violent conflicts over irrigation in UP. A ground report
Rising heat, sinking groundwater and violent conflicts over irrigation in UP. A ground report

By Ramji Mishra

The canal irrigation network in Uttar Pradesh measures upto 74,660 kilometres and includes rajbaha (smaller canals) and drains. Still, almost 78% of irrigation needs are met by groundwater, the levels of which are fast dropping. Water conflicts around irrigation are getting violent and such clashes have left a farmer dead in the past week.

The canal irrigation network in Uttar Pradesh measures upto 74,660 kilometres and includes rajbaha (smaller canals) and drains. Still, almost 78% of irrigation needs are met by groundwater, the levels of which are fast dropping. Water conflicts around irrigation are getting violent and such clashes have left a farmer dead in the past week.

Small rivers, that have big significance, are dying a slow death
Small rivers, that have big significance, are dying a slow death

By Hridayesh Joshi

Locals who live in the hills say rampant deforestation has led to the “forest rivers” going dry. These small rivers and streams used to be the major source of water for people living in the hills. Now locals are forced to look at other options

Locals who live in the hills say rampant deforestation has led to the “forest rivers” going dry. These small rivers and streams used to be the major source of water for people living in the hills. Now locals are forced to look at other options

Khargone Protest: Villagers displaced due to Kharak dam demand compensation; protest at collectorate continues
Khargone Protest: Villagers displaced due to Kharak dam demand compensation; protest at collectorate continues

By गाँव कनेक्शन

In Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone, hundreds of villagers displaced by the construction of Kharak dam continue to demonstrate outside the District Collectorate’s office. They demand compensation for the loss of their lands in adherence to the Supreme Court order of 2017. Details here

In Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone, hundreds of villagers displaced by the construction of Kharak dam continue to demonstrate outside the District Collectorate’s office. They demand compensation for the loss of their lands in adherence to the Supreme Court order of 2017. Details here

There is a need for amendment in the Panchayati Raj Act
There is a need for amendment in the Panchayati Raj Act

By Dr SB Misra

As of now, Gram Pradhans only have rights, but no responsibility. The Centre should act as a facilitator to resolve issues of farmers pertaining to irrigation, canal, tube wells, support prices and seed-fertilizers. The Gram Pradhans can be vested with statutory responsibility and some honorarium to supervise its functioning. There should be absolute decentralization of local administration till the level of Panchayat

As of now, Gram Pradhans only have rights, but no responsibility. The Centre should act as a facilitator to resolve issues of farmers pertaining to irrigation, canal, tube wells, support prices and seed-fertilizers. The Gram Pradhans can be vested with statutory responsibility and some honorarium to supervise its functioning. There should be absolute decentralization of local administration till the level of Panchayat

Cold wave in Rajasthan: 40% mustard crop lost to ground frost, complain farmers
Cold wave in Rajasthan: 40% mustard crop lost to ground frost, complain farmers

By Parul Kulshreshta

Several districts in Rajasthan are in the grip of a severe cold wave. According to IMD, this is the first time since January 3, 2014, that the temperature has dipped to minus 2.7 degree Celsius. Mustard crop is badly damaged and several other crops have suffered losses too.

Several districts in Rajasthan are in the grip of a severe cold wave. According to IMD, this is the first time since January 3, 2014, that the temperature has dipped to minus 2.7 degree Celsius. Mustard crop is badly damaged and several other crops have suffered losses too.

Black Rice Matters in Chandauli
Black Rice Matters in Chandauli

By Pavan Kumar Maurya

In 2018, paddy cultivation in Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh took a new turn, when black rice grains were first introduced here. Farmers who cultivated it got good returns. But, a drop in demand has left huge amounts of the blackrice unsold. Many farmers have given up the cultivation but say with government intervention, they will regrow the nutritious and ecologically beneficial rice variety.

In 2018, paddy cultivation in Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh took a new turn, when black rice grains were first introduced here. Farmers who cultivated it got good returns. But, a drop in demand has left huge amounts of the blackrice unsold. Many farmers have given up the cultivation but say with government intervention, they will regrow the nutritious and ecologically beneficial rice variety.

ग्राउंड रिपोर्ट: बढ़ती गर्मी और गिरते भूजल स्तर के साथ, उत्तर प्रदेश में सिंचाई को लेकर हो रहे हैं हिंसक संघर्ष
ग्राउंड रिपोर्ट: बढ़ती गर्मी और गिरते भूजल स्तर के साथ, उत्तर प्रदेश में सिंचाई को लेकर हो रहे हैं हिंसक संघर्ष

By Ramji Mishra

उत्तर प्रदेश में 74,660 किलोमीटर लंबा नहर सिंचाई नेटवर्क है और इसमें रजबहा और छोटी नहरें शामिल हैं। लेकिन फिर भी लगभग 78% सिंचाई की जरूरत भूजल से पूरी होती है, जिससे भूजल स्तर तेजी से गिर रहा है। सिंचाई को लेकर अक्सर विवाद होते रहते हैं जोकि हिंसक होते जा रहे हैं और पिछले हफ्ते ऐसी ही एक झड़प में एक किसान की मौत हो गई।

उत्तर प्रदेश में 74,660 किलोमीटर लंबा नहर सिंचाई नेटवर्क है और इसमें रजबहा और छोटी नहरें शामिल हैं। लेकिन फिर भी लगभग 78% सिंचाई की जरूरत भूजल से पूरी होती है, जिससे भूजल स्तर तेजी से गिर रहा है। सिंचाई को लेकर अक्सर विवाद होते रहते हैं जोकि हिंसक होते जा रहे हैं और पिछले हफ्ते ऐसी ही एक झड़प में एक किसान की मौत हो गई।

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