Kadem dam water supply suspension deferred after farmer protests

Irrigation officials have deferred the suspension of water supply from Kadem dam for agricultural needs following protests by farmers in Nirmal and Mancherial districts. Farmers had demanded continued supply until November 30 to protect standing paddy crops.

Nirmal: Irrigation officials have deferred the stoppage of water supply from Kadem dam for agricultural needs, which was scheduled to begin on November 9, bringing relief to farmers. A decision to this effect was taken by higher officials on Monday.

Irrigation officials announced that the stoppage of water supply from the dam had been postponed. The revised date for suspension of the supply would be announced soon. The decision was apparently taken following widespread protests by farmers seeking water in different parts of Nirmal district and neighbouring Mancherial district.

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On November 3, officials announced that water stored in the project would be reserved exclusively for drinking water needs from November 7 until the summer of 2027. They said water would not be supplied to agricultural fields during this period and requested farmers to cooperate with the department to ensure that water was available for drinking needs in summer.

However, the move sparked protests, with farmers expressing concern over irrigating crops that had reached the booting stage. Farmers from Rampur, Thimmapur, Chintaguda and Thapalapur blocked roads and disrupted traffic, demanding water supply for standing paddy crops until November 30. The protests prompted officials to review their decision and postpone the suspension.

The postponement of the water supply suspension has cheered farmers. Paddy growers said they could now prevent their crops from withering.