Rohtak: A major road in Bihar has turned into a major problem for local farmers. The Ara-Mohania four-lane highway, built to improve transport, has created serious drainage issues from Dinara to Kochas in Rohtas district. Farmers say that due to the lack of a proper water drainage system, their paddy crops are getting destroyed every year because of waterlogging.
On the southern side of the highway, even a small amount of rain causes fields to flood. Farmers blame the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for not building enough culverts or drainage systems during construction. One key spot, where the Murarchak Rajwaha canal crosses the road, needed a culvert, but officials reportedly only built a small drain, which is not enough.
Adding to the problem, the drains on both sides of the road haven’t been cleaned in years, and the Murarchak Rajwaha canal is blocked. This has made the situation worse for farmers in villages like Girdhariya, who have been protesting for the last three years. Despite road blockades and complaints, no permanent solution has been provided by the NHAI or local administration.
Last week, farmers again blocked the highway to demand action. After this, SDM Prabhat Kumar visited the area and some temporary steps were taken to ease the drainage problem. But the farmers say these are not enough and are asking for a lasting solution so they can protect their crops and livelihoods.
