The ongoing protest by farmers against the proposed Defence Dam in the border villages of Fazilka has now reached the Punjab Raj Bhavan. Amid the 18-day-long agitation, a delegation of the Bann Roko Chardi Kala Sangharsh Morcha, led by young social activist Karan Gilhotra, met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria at Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh and submitted a memorandum highlighting their concerns.
The delegation informed the Governor that the proposed Defence Dam could adversely affect fertile agricultural land and the livelihoods of farmers in the border villages. They expressed apprehension that the project may increase the risk of flooding during the monsoon, leaving several villages vulnerable.
The farmers urged the Governor to personally visit the affected areas to understand the gravity of the situation and requested a review of the project’s current design in view of the potential damage and the concerns of local residents. The delegation included farmer leaders Paramjit Singh Noorshah, Harish Nadda, Kulwant Singh, Mahal Singh, Sukhdev Singh, Dheera Brar, Sahil Kamboj, Purushottam Singh, Sukhdev Singh Rana, Sham Lal, Birbal Singh, and other villagers associated with the movement.
Governor Kataria listened to the delegation in detail and took serious note of the issues raised by the farmers. He assured them that he would soon discuss the matter with Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh and take the necessary initiative to work towards a practical and lasting solution to their concerns.
Karan Gilhotra said that safeguarding the livelihoods and interests of farmers in the border region remains the top priority. He expressed hope that the Governor’s intervention would encourage the Central Government to take a positive decision on the farmers’ demands.
Following the Governor’s assurance, the protesting farmers and local residents expressed renewed hope that their grievances would be addressed. They are now awaiting the Centre’s next course of action.