Hansi villagers end 36-day stir after govt ‘accepts’ canal water demand

Hansi villagers end 36-day stir after govt ‘accepts’ canal water demand

Hansi villagers end 36 day stir – Residents of Chainat village in Hansi, Haryana, have concluded a protracted 36-day protest that drew widespread attention across the region. The village’s long-standing demand for access to Bhakra canal water via a dedicated pipeline was finally acknowledged by the state government, marking a significant victory for the community. The protest, which had been ongoing since May 16, saw villagers refusing to return to their homes until their water access issue was resolved. With the government agreeing to their request, the standoff has now reached a close, bringing relief to thousands of residents who had been affected by the water shortage.

Protest Background and Demands

The water crisis in Chainat village had been a growing concern for years, as the community relied heavily on a crumbling water supply system. The village’s demand centered on connecting to the Central government’s ₹80-crore AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) scheme project, which is designed to transport Bhakra canal water from Rajli Head in Barwala to Hansi through a 30-km pipeline. However, the government initially proposed a separate pipeline for Hansi city, leaving Chainat village to be connected later, a delay that sparked frustration among residents.

Local leaders, including Somesh Kumar, a former member of the Haryana Sarpanch Association, played a crucial role in organizing the protest. The movement gained political momentum when reports emerged that the Congress party had plans to invite Rahul Gandhi, the Lok Sabha’s opposition leader, to the protest site. This move aimed to elevate the issue to a national level, ensuring that the government could not ignore the demands of the Hansi villagers. The protest quickly became a symbol of grassroots activism, with villagers expressing their anger through hunger strikes and demonstrations.

Escalation and Community Impact

The dispute between the villagers and the administration intensified as the villagers insisted that their area should be included in the main water line. The government’s refusal to prioritize Chainat village led to a hunger strike, which drew support from opposition parties and garnered media attention. For 13 days, villagers participated in the fast, withstanding hunger and exhaustion to highlight their plight. The protest not only affected the immediate residents of Chainat but also drew in neighboring communities, creating a broader awareness of the water crisis in Hansi.

Throughout the 36-day struggle, the Hansi villagers maintained their resolve, using social media and local newspapers to document their demands and the conditions under which they were protesting. The symbolic act of offering juice to those who had fasted marked the official end of the hunger strike, signaling the government’s acceptance of their demands. This resolution has been widely celebrated by the community, as it addresses a critical need for sustainable water supply and reduces the tension that had been building for months.

“Providing water is our priority, and we will do so regardless of the source. It does not matter where the water is provided, we will also renovate the village’s water tank to ensure long-term access,” stated Hansi deputy commissioner Rahul Narwal, confirming the protest’s conclusion. His comments underscored the government’s commitment to resolving the issue, even as the villagers emphasized the importance of equitable resource distribution.

Future Outlook and Ongoing Challenges

While the resolution brings immediate relief, the Hansi villagers remain cautious about the long-term implementation of the project. They have called for transparency in the pipeline construction process to ensure that their community is not overlooked. The agreement to connect Chainat village to the water supply system has been seen as a step forward, but residents are hopeful that the government will also address other infrastructure needs in the region.

As the Hansi villagers celebrate their victory, the incident highlights the power of collective action in bringing about change. The 36-day stir has not only improved the water access for Chainat village but also set a precedent for similar demands in other parts of Haryana. The political involvement of opposition parties and the media’s coverage of the protest have demonstrated how local issues can gain national prominence, ensuring that they are not forgotten in the state’s development agenda.