📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Kaushal Bishnoi
Agriculture
Farmers Shut Anupgarh Market Over Irrigation Water Shortage in IG Canal Phase‑1
✍️ Amar Ujala · Rajasthan
🗓 30 Sep 2026, 04:15 PM
👁 16
Farmers in Anupgarh, Shri Ganganagar, intensified their protest demanding adequate irrigation water from the first phase of the Indira Gandhi Canal, leading to a complete market shutdown and a large police deployment at the ADM office.
Farmers in Anupgarh, a town in Rajasthan's Shri Ganganagar district, escalated their agitation on Wednesday, pressing the state government to release sufficient irrigation water under the first phase of the Indira Gandhi Canal project. The protest stems from long‑standing concerns that water allocations are falling short of agricultural needs, threatening crop yields in the arid region.
As part of the demonstration, the entire market area in Anupgarh was shut down, with traders and shoppers barred from entering. Vendors reported a complete halt to commercial activity, underscoring the farmers' resolve to pressurise authorities by disrupting local commerce.
Security forces responded by deploying a heavy police contingent around the Assistant District Magistrate's (ADM) office, where farmers had gathered to submit their demands. The police presence aimed to maintain order and prevent any escalation of the sit‑in.
Local officials have acknowledged the protest but have not yet disclosed a concrete timetable for additional water releases. They indicated that discussions with farmer representatives are ongoing, while urging the public to avoid the market area until the situation stabilises.
The shutdown has affected daily wage earners and small business owners, highlighting the broader socioeconomic impact of water scarcity in the region.
As part of the demonstration, the entire market area in Anupgarh was shut down, with traders and shoppers barred from entering. Vendors reported a complete halt to commercial activity, underscoring the farmers' resolve to pressurise authorities by disrupting local commerce.
Security forces responded by deploying a heavy police contingent around the Assistant District Magistrate's (ADM) office, where farmers had gathered to submit their demands. The police presence aimed to maintain order and prevent any escalation of the sit‑in.
Local officials have acknowledged the protest but have not yet disclosed a concrete timetable for additional water releases. They indicated that discussions with farmer representatives are ongoing, while urging the public to avoid the market area until the situation stabilises.
The shutdown has affected daily wage earners and small business owners, highlighting the broader socioeconomic impact of water scarcity in the region.