Urgent appeal for support: Farmers of West Sahebganj face dire challenges

By Kirity Roy*

The farmers of West Sahebganj, a West Bengal village situated within the Sahebganj Gram Panchayat in the Dinhata II Block, are facing grave challenges in cultivating their agricultural lands, particularly those located inside the barbed wire fencing along the Indo-Bangladesh border.

All the villagers of West Sahebganj reside along the Indo-Bangladesh border, specifically near the Dhorola Border Outpost (BOP) of the 129 Battalion of the Border Security Force (BSF). Approximately 380 bighas of land belonging to these villagers fall under BSF monitoring, severely disrupting their agricultural activities.

Access to their farmlands is restricted, with the fencing gate being opened by the BSF only three times a day, for just one hour each time. This limited access creates significant challenges for farmers who must sign in and out at the gate for every visit. The registration process often delays their entry, and if they take too long, they may be denied access altogether for the day, halting their farming activities entirely.

Moreover, farmers lack basic amenities, such as electricity and reliable water sources. Diesel pumps are their only means of irrigation, but transporting these pumps through the restricted gate during the brief access periods is nearly impossible. Even when they manage to bring the pumps to their fields, the soaring costs of diesel render this method unsustainable for these already impoverished farmers.

The situation is further exacerbated by the absence of drinking water on their lands. Farmers labor under the scorching sun and are forced to fetch water from the Dhorla River, located about one kilometer from their fields. The BSF prohibits them from carrying water or food during their work hours, adding to their physical strain. This lack of access to water and sustenance has rendered their working conditions unbearable, posing serious risks to their health and well-being.

The livelihoods of these farmers, who primarily depend on agriculture, are under severe threat. With an average annual household income of only ₹36,000, the residents—comprising 80% Hindu General and 20% Muslim OBC communities—face the grim prospects of starvation or forced migration if their farming activities continue to be disrupted. The denial of access to essential resources for irrigation and sustenance constitutes a violation of their fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees the right to live with dignity and access to drinking water.

The list of affected farmers is quite long, here details of few:

In light of these urgent concerns, the farmers of West Sahebganj are demanding the provision of electricity or solar-powered irrigation systems within their fenced lands. This change would alleviate their struggle with diesel pumps, enabling them to continue their agricultural work. Additionally, the establishment of arrangements for drinking water on their farmlands is essential to ensure humane working conditions.

On June 26, 2024, the villagers submitted a mass petition detailing their plight to the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Dinhata II. They also sought the attention of the local Gram Panchayat members, yet their efforts have been met with indifference.

Despite the policies set forth by the irrigation department of both the Government of India and the Government of West Bengal, such as 'Har Khet Ko Pani', the reality on the ground reveals a stark divergence. The needs of these farmers remain largely ignored by those in positions of authority, while they toil from morning to evening without access to water or sanitation facilities.

The authorities must act to alleviate the suffering of the farmers of West Sahebganj. Providing the necessary infrastructure to support their livelihoods is critical to safeguarding their constitutional rights and preventing a looming humanitarian crisis in the region. Following actions need to be taken:

1. Implement adequate irrigation facilities, shelter rooms, and potable drinking water sources within the agricultural lands behind the barbed wire fencing.

2. Issue directives to the BSF to withdraw arbitrary restrictions on the movement of villagers and their agricultural activities, ensuring fair treatment. Alternatively, facilitate the relocation of villagers by acquiring their lands through due process.

3. Ensure the fencing gate remains open from 6 AM to 6 PM, allowing uninterrupted access to their farmland and easing their work conditions.

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*Secretary, Banglar Manabadhikar Suraksha Mancha (MASUM). This article is based on the author's representation to the Secretary, Jal Jeevan Mission, Ministry of Jalshakti, Government of India

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