Tribal Development Council Welcomes Assurance on Release of Water from Panchana Dam, Warns of Legal Action if Promise Is Not Fulfilled.

Waseem Akram Quraishi 

Jaipur. Rajasthan. 

The political atmosphere in Rajasthan has intensified over the issue of releasing water from the Panchana Dam. While government ministers are offering assurances on the matter, social organizations and activists have warned that if water is not released from the dam within seven days, they will launch a public movement and, if necessary, approach the courts. The Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad has welcomed the assurance given by Rajasthan Agriculture Minister Dr. Kirori Lal Meena regarding the release of water from the Panchana Dam. However, the organization has also cautioned that if the assurance is not implemented and translated into practical action within seven days, it will seek justice through legal channels. In a statement issued today, Rajasthan State President of the Parishad, K.C. Ghumaria, said that he, along with his team, visited the protest site and welcomed Dr. Kirori Lal Meena’s assurance that water would be released into the canal within six days. Ghumaria stated that the demand for releasing water into the canal is both justified and nearly two decades old. He blamed successive governments and administrative negligence for the prolonged delay in addressing the issue. He also praised the efforts of Raghuveer Meena and his team for taking the matter to the Rajasthan High Court in pursuit of justice for the people and all living beings dependent on the water supply. According to Ghumaria, the High Court delivered favorable judgments on three occasions, directing that water be released into the canal and that the other affected side also be supplied water through a lift irrigation project. Budgetary provisions for the project had already been allocated. Ghumaria emphasized that maintaining social harmony and peace among all communities is of utmost importance, and in this context, the announcement made by Agriculture Minister Dr. Kirori Lal Meena is significant. He said the announcement reflects the government's consent and a concrete intention to resolve the issue. However, he warned that if the assurance is not fulfilled within six days, the Akhil Bharatiya Adivasi Vikas Parishad will take the matter to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the National Human Rights Commission, and the Parliamentary Committee. If required, a contempt petition will also be filed before the Rajasthan High Court.