Farmers from several areas of Kakching district staged a protest at the Keirak Sekmai Barrage today, demanding restoration of water supply for irrigation amid inadequate rainfall and water scarcity.
The protest followed the reported opening of the barrage gates on August 24, allowing water to flow into the river instead of being supplied to farmers dependent on the barrage for irrigation.
Farmers from Keirak, Tejpur, Lamjao, Laimanai, Langmeidong, Wabagai and Hiyanglam participated in the protest and demanded immediate closure of the gates and restoration of water supply.
Wabagai Assembly Constituency MLA Dr. Usham Deben arrived at the site during the protest and discussed the issue with officials of the concerned department. He instructed the officials to lower the open gates and ensure that water reaches the farmers.
Speaking at the public meeting, farmers said agricultural activities in several areas of Tejpur, Lamjao, Laimanai and Langmeidong had been affected by the shortage of water. They said paddy crops in areas around Keirak, where water from the Sekmai Barrage is usually received on time, had already reached the flowering stage.
The farmers questioned the release of water into the river at such a crucial stage of cultivation and urged the department to close the gates and provide the required water. They warned of intense agitation if their demands were not met.
Dr. Usham Deben said opening or closing the barrage gates requires approval from senior departmental officials and termed keeping the gates open without such approval improper. He subsequently directed staff at the Sekmai Barrage to close the gates and contacted senior departmental officers to ensure that they were lowered immediately.
The meeting was attended by Elangbam Ongbi Shanti Leima, Caretaker Pradhan of Keirak Gram Panchayat, local farmers and members of the Keirak Apunba Meira Paibi.
