Banaskantha Faces Rain Crisis as Banas River Dries, Crops at Risk

PALANPUR: With the monsoon failing to deliver adequate rainfall, concern is mounting across Banaskantha as the Banas River has run dry and water levels in key reservoirs remain critically low, raising fears of crop losses and a looming water crisis for agriculture and animal husbandry.

The Banas River, considered the lifeline of the district, has reportedly witnessed significant flow only once during the current monsoon. As a result, inflow into Dantiwada Dam has remained negligible, while Sipu Dam is almost empty and Mukteshwar Dam is also holding very little water.

Farmers fear that standing crops such as groundnut, maize, castor and millet could wither if substantial rain does not arrive soon. They have demanded an immediate government survey to assess crop damage and provide relief.

Farmer leader Mawjibhai Loh claimed the ground situation was considerably worse than official rainfall figures suggest.

“Palanpur, Vadgam, Amirgarh and Danta have not received more than five inches of rain. The government may be showing 15 to 16 inches, but the situation in the villages is completely different,” he said.

Loh urged officials to visit villages and conduct a fresh assessment, pointing out that rivers and dams have not received adequate water.

Deesa farmer Mohanbhai said the district was heading towards a drought-like situation and demanded that water be supplied to Dantiwada Dam through canals to revive the Banas River. He also called for construction of check dams and better rainwater harvesting.

The rainfall shortage is also threatening animal husbandry, a major component of Banaskantha’s rural economy. Farmers fear shortages of drinking water and fodder could eventually affect milk production and the wider dairy economy.

Farmer Mukeshbhai Patel of Arniwada said local water sources were already drying up.

“Agriculture is in trouble this monsoon, and a major water problem may emerge in the coming days,” he said, urging farmers and authorities to plan for pond and water-storage replenishment.

Farmers have demanded that rainfall-deficient areas be officially declared affected and that immediate financial assistance be provided wherever crop damage is established.

With the monsoon entering a crucial phase, farmers say urgent intervention is needed to protect crops, livestock and rural livelihoods across Banaskantha.