Repairs on canal left midway, farmers cry hoarse
Anantnag: The failure of the government to regularly repair and clear the water irrigation canals in different areas of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district has made these canals almost defunct making the farmers suffer huge loses.
Residents of different areas of Anantnag said that many important canals were not cleaned or repaired this year, resulting in various farms, paddy fields and orchards facing a drought like situation.
The farmers said that there are no alternative facilities like ground water or water pumps available for the land due to which the fields and orchards are drying up.
According to farmers, major tributaries have not been cleaned for years which have hindered the flow of water.
“Since a lot of silt and other garbage has also accumulated in the canals their carrying capacity has witnessed tremendous reduction,: the farmers alleged.
Sharif Hussian, a resident of Bijbehara said that that the famous Mehand Canal which is a source of water for over a dozen villages wasn’t cleaned as of now this year due to which paddy fields and orchards are not getting water needed for agricultural purposes.
He said that there is no alternative facility available for them due to while the entire population is concerned and worried at the same time.
Locals said that they have brought the issue into the notice of concerned authorities several times but to no avail.
The locals have now requested District Magistrate Anantnag and concerned authorities to look into the issue at an earliest.
However, officials refuted the claims of the locals.
Assistant Executive Engineer, Irrigation Division Bijbehara, Ghulam Hassan Ganaie said that all the canals that needed to be cleared have been restored.
“Wherever there was a need to clear the canals we did carry out the necessary works,” he said.
He said that if still the locals face any problems anywhere, they must contact us, we will take care of it,” he added.
Jahangeer Ganaie
