Struggling with waterlogged fields for over three years, thousands of farmers living around Akera Lake in Nuh district have renewed their demand for compensation and permanent drainage solutions.
In a fresh appeal to the state government, the farmers alleged that severe waterlogging due to a raised water table has destroyed over 5,000 acres of agricultural land, leaving many families burdened with debt.
Farmers from nearly six villages, in a letter sent to the Haryana Agriculture Minister, highlighted that the prolonged accumulation of water has made large stretches of fertile farmland unusable, pushing many families into financial distress and forcing some to purchase food grains despite owning agricultural land.
According to local residents, the crisis has persisted due to the absence of a proper drainage system. During the monsoon season, the situation worsens significantly as rainwater further inundates the fields, causing widespread crop losses.
“We own land but are forced to buy grains and take loans as we have not been able to cultivate wheat or other crops for the last three years. Our fields remain submerged in water and despite repeated complaints and pleas, nobody has come forward with any drainage plans or compensation to help sustain hundreds of families living in the vicinity of the lake,” said Khursheed, a farmer from Akera village.
Farmers alleged that stagnant water has completely disrupted the agricultural cycle in the region. They claimed that many cultivators have suffered repeated financial losses and are now struggling to sustain their livelihoods.
Residents also pointed to an additional challenge arising from the area’s proximity to the Aravalli region. According to them, the increasing movement of wild animals into agricultural fields has further aggravated the crisis and made farming even more difficult.
The affected farmers said several officials, public representatives and even the Governor had previously visited the area and assured them that the issue would be resolved. However, they alleged that no concrete action has been taken on the ground. The villagers are now demanding either an immediate and permanent drainage mechanism or compensation for crop losses suffered over the past three years. They warned that if the government fails to address the issue soon, they would be forced to launch a large-scale protest.
“The current government is anti-farmer. Nuh is an agrarian district where agriculture is the key source of livelihood. While we contribute significantly to the state’s produce, farmers here are among the unhappiest. This issue is not new, but the current government has not cared to address it. Waterlogging for a few hours on Gurugram roads makes them spend crores, but here farmers’ futures have been drowning for three years and they are not concerned. The chief minister needs to step in to ensure compensation and arrange a proper drainage plan,” said Nuh MLA Aftab Ahmed.
