Students of the over 120 villages, that fall under Tonk District, have stopped attending school since July 3 as a mark of protest against the lack of water in the region.

"Despite having the Bisalpur Dam in close vicinity, we are facing an acute shortage of water. The students of 120 villages have stopped attending the classes since July 3, 2006. Our families have told us not to go to school, "said Mamta, a student of the Government School in Hamirpur.

The new academic session commenced on July 1, but there are no students in the classrooms.

Shouting slogans like Bislapur ke Pani par Pehla hak Hamara Hai (we hold the first right over Bislapur water) students are not concerned that their absence from the classroom will affect their studies.

"Our faculty members have tried to tell the students about the impact of their decision. Unfortunately, the families of students area supporting them. That's why after gaining confidence, the students have stopped coming to school," said Babulal Gupta, the Principal of the Government School in Hamirpur.

The Bilaspur Dam was constructed in 1984 and started receiving water in 1992. According to the villagers water scarcity is the result of the hollow promises made by the area's politicians and State leaders.

"It is sad that the Bilaspur dam has failed to fulfil the very purpose of its construction. We haven't received water due to ministerial clashes and political tactics. Most of the wells in this area have dried up after the construction of this dam. The condition of farmers in villages is worsening day-by-day," said Zakir, the coordinator of the Bilaspur Kisan Sangharsh Samiti. (ANI)