The Dungri Dam has become one of the most talked-about development projects in Rajasthan. What started as a routine water project has now turned into a heated debate involving villagers, political leaders, environmental activists and the state government. While the government highlights its benefits, thousands of locals fear displacement, loss of farmland and ecological changes. As emotions rise on both sides, this issue has grown far bigger than just a construction plan — it has become a symbol of trust, governance and people’s rights.
A mahapanchayat of farmers and villagers of the affected area was organised in Jodli village on Friday in protest against the Dungri Dam being built under the Ram Jal Setu Link Project (Revised PKC-ERCP). This panchayat, which started at 11:30 in the morning, continued till late evening. Voices of anger and protest resounded at the Mahapanchayat regarding the dam construction. Speakers warned of a do-or-die fight to stop the dam construction. However, after the end of the Mahapanchayat, the decision regarding the future strategy was left to the officials of the organising committee and the regional Panch Patels. Late in the evening, the committee officials issued a ten-day ultimatum to the government, after which they announced they would intensify the agitation.
Understanding the Purpose of Dungri Dam
The proposed Dungri Dam project is situated on the Banas River in the Sawai Madhopur district of Rajasthan. At its core, the Dungri Dam is intended to improve water availability in the region. Rajasthan often suffers from water scarcity, making such projects important for irrigation, drinking water supply and long-term water management. Supporters argue that the dam can boost agriculture, create jobs and bring new life to drought-prone areas.
However, for people living in the affected villages, the story looks very different. Their major concern is not water — it is survival, relocation and the impact the project may have on their lands, homes and forests. This contrast in perspectives is what makes the Dungri Dam issue so complex.
Why Villagers Are Strongly Opposing Dungri Dam
Opposition to the Dungri Dam is not sudden. For months, villagers have been raising concerns over displacement, lack of proper rehabilitation, threat to farmland and the fear that their ancestral land may disappear forever. Many communities depend entirely on agriculture, grazing lands and forests. Losing these resources means losing their way of life.
Villagers also worry about compensation policies. They feel that the support promised to them is unclear, incomplete or not guaranteed. As a result, trust in the project has reduced drastically. This rising uncertainty has fueled multiple protests, meetings and village-level discussions, turning the Dungri Dam into a people’s movement.
The Political Storm Around the Dungri Dam
No major public movement in India remains untouched by politics, and the Dungri Dam issue is no exception. Furthermore, political leaders from different parties have taken strong positions — some supporting the project, others standing with the protesting villagers. Each side is using the situation to strengthen its political presence and influence in the region. Especially the entry of farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, who is a well-known protester, created more doubts.
For the ruling side, Dungri Dam is a sign of development and future progress. For the opposition, it is a powerful opportunity to highlight the voices of the displaced, raise questions about transparency and strengthen their bond with the local population. This ongoing tug-of-war has turned the Dungri Dam into a major political flashpoint. Moreover, it is the conflict between Kirodi Lal Meena (BJP) and Bajanlal Jatav (Congress). In short, the fight over the Dungri Dam is very much political.
A dispute also broke out between supporters of the two leaders during the Mahapanchayat. The mahapanchayat was addressed by former minister Rameshchandra Meena and Sapotra MLA Hansraj Meena. The former minister alleged that there was no development under the BJP rule and the government was only spreading confusion regarding the Dungri dam. MLA Hansraj said that the previous Congress government also did not take any concrete steps in this direction. Seeing the situation deteriorating, the police reached the stage and calmed the situation by giving advice.
Environmental Concerns Cannot Be Ignored
While displacement and politics form the core of the debate, environmental issues are equally significant. The area around the Dungri Dam includes forests, wildlife movement routes and ecologically sensitive zones. The submerged area will also impact sections of the Kailadevi Wildlife Sanctuary and the Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve. Any change in land structure could impact natural habitats, water flow and biodiversity.
Environmental groups argue that large dams often lead to long-term changes to nearby ecosystems. If not planned carefully, this project may affect both wildlife and the natural green cover, increasing pressure on local resources. These concerns have added another layer of complexity to the project.
Government’s Stand on Dungri Dam
The government maintains that the Dungri Dam is essential for regional development and that proper compensation and rehabilitation will be provided. Officials claim that fewer villages will be affected than the numbers being circulated by protest groups. They assure that displaced families will be resettled within the same region, with financial support and land-based rehabilitation wherever possible.
While these assurances sound promising, many villagers say they want clearer documents, transparent policies and written guarantees. Until these demands are met, the distrust continues.
Why Dungri Dam Has Become a Symbol of People vs. Power
The debate around the Dungri Dam goes far beyond a simple development project. It highlights the bigger struggle between local communities and large-scale government programs. For villagers, it is a fight for identity, heritage and security. For the government, it is a push toward progress and infrastructure expansion.
This clash of priorities is what makes the Dungri Dam controversy so significant. It demonstrates how development must always strike a balance between economic growth and social responsibility.
Conclusion
The Dungri Dam issue serves as a powerful reminder that development cannot be forced without winning the trust of the people it affects. As protests, meetings and political statements continue, the real solution lies in open dialogue, fair compensation and transparent planning. Only then can a balance be created between progress and people’s rights. Whether the Dungri Dam becomes a success story or a symbol of resistance will depend on how responsibly the next steps are taken. Moreover, the political parties should not involve themselves and making it a political game in any development project.