Bharatpur/Karauli, July 7 -- The long-running Panchana Dam water dispute was resolved on Monday after three of its gates in Karauli district were opened and water was released into the irrigation canal system. State water resources minister Suresh Rawat was present on the occasion, which marks an end to a nearly two-decade long dispute over the distribution of canal water spanning two districts- Karauli and neighbouring Sawai Madhopur- between the Meena and Gurjar community. Karauli Superintendent of Police Lokesh Sonwal said water was released through three gates of the Panchana Dam to meet the long-pending demand of farmers. He said the dispute had been resolved through the efforts of the state government. The move came days after the state government announced on July 1 that the dispute, which centred on the demand for the release of water by farmers in around 35 Meena-dominated villages, which was opposed by farmers in around 40 Gurjar-dominated villages. Rawat also laid the foundation stone for the remodeling of the pipe distribution network system under the Gudla Lift Project, estimated to cost Rs.61 lakh. He said the dispute was resolved with the consent of all three concerned sides. He added that people living in the Gambhir River catchment area of Bharatpur district had also been demanding water, and water had therefore been released into the Gambhir River system as well. Rawat said a committee headed by the Bharatpur Divisional Commissioner oversees water release from the Panchana Dam and takes decisions on releasing water for farmers from time to time Water was released for irrigation in three areas to benefit farmers. The state high court had also directed the state government to ensure the release of water from the dam. Under the 2026-27 state budget, Rs 50 crore has been sanctioned for irrigation projects covering 39 villages located near the Panchana Dam. The project is expected to be completed within 18 months, said officials. Officials aware of the matter said the dispute had long been a point of contention between sections of the Gujjar and Meena communities....