Farmers Movement Archive

Agra: Farmers block highway, lock power sub-stations in rural areas

AGRA: Farmers staged massive protest in Firozabad on Wednesday against inadequate power supply and lack of water in canals which is causing them much inconvenience while irrigating the fields. Farmers, protesting under the banner of Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU), blocked the Tundla-Etah highway. They also locked down at least three power sub-stations in the rural areas. The police had to implement a route diversion plan after the farmers blocked the highway. It was only after the assurance of senior officials that the farmers ended their protest after around 3pm. BKU state president Yogesh Pratap Singh said, “With poor monsoon this year, farmers were largely dependent on tube wells for irrigation of their fields. We want the state government to ensure at least 18 hours of power supply for operating tube wells in rural areas. Besides, adequate water supply should be there in canals. We will also lock down the head office of the power distribution company in Agra if the state of power supply does not improve.” BKU state vice president Dhirendra Pal Singh said, “The authorities have assured to provide power supply from irrigation feeders for at least 15 hours per day. They will provide 18 hours after consulting the state government and making the required arrangements. We have decided to wait for 15 days. In case the authorities fail to fulfill their promise, then we will launch an indefinite strike.” Sub-divisional magistrate Rajesh Kumar said, “The electricity department officials were called on the protest site. They were asked to ensure at least 15 hours of uninterrupted power supply for proper irrigation of the fields. Required availability of water in canals will be ensured by the end of November. Irrigation department officials have been asked to complete the ongoing cleaning of canals within the next two weeks.”

The Times of India

2020-11-12

Agra