Villagers in Rajasthan's Thar Desert are grappling with extreme heat and water scarcity, facing temperatures that have soared above 46 degrees Celsius in Bikaner district. The ongoing heatwave, linked to climate change, is straining the agrarian economy and threatening the livelihoods of farmers and agricultural laborers.
The Indira Gandhi Canal serves as a crucial water e has exacerbated the water shortage. Deepanker Sharma, Executive Engineer of the Indira Gandhi Canal Project,explained that the canal's dilapidated state necessitated the closure due to water seepage. Although canal has reopened, the average flow is currently at 10,000 cusecs,well below its maximum capacity of 18,000 cusecs .
Residents like Maroof Khan, an 18-year-old from Ramai village,are feeling the impact. “Half of our daytime is spent in arranging water for our livestock,” he said,noting that plans to sow kharif crops have been delayed due to insufficient water in their farm pond. The canal typically supports water-intensive crops such as wheat, mustard, and cotton, which are vital for the local economy.
Despite the challenges,villagers have turned to traditional methods to mitigate the heat. Khan shared that the thatched roof of his home provides natural insulation,and sprinkling water on it cools the interior. Some houses utilize walls made from a mixture of cow dung and clay, which helps reduce heat absorption. Agricultural laborer Kailash Meghwal,24, has planted drought-resistant jowar on a small plot, using limited water from the canal to sustain his family's livestock .
The closure of the canal has not only affected agriculture but also impacted cattle and industrial usage, including Army cantonments along the India-Pakistan border. While moderate rains and dust storms offered temporary relief last week, relentless summer heat continues to disrupt daily life.
To address water crisis, the canal's restoration prioritized drinking water needs in Pugal, Dantaur,and Aduri distributaries, with irrigation for kharif crops to follow. Former Pugal sarpanch Siddharth Singh Bhati noted that the canal's water has contributed to a rise in the groundwater table, enabling farmers to dig wells and access good quality water at reasonable depths .
The heatwave has also spurred demand for work under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Gopa Ram,the Block Development Officer for Pugal, highlighted that the scheme has bolstered the local economy and mitigated some effects of agrarian distress . The Pugal Panchayat Samiti,which encompasses 97 villages,is also working on improving irrigation infrastructure by covering open ditches and water channels with concrete .
As villagers adapt to the harsh conditions, their resilience shines through. ingenuity displayed in coping with extreme temperatures and water scarcity underscores community's determination to survive in one of India's most challenging environments.
