Lift irrigation scheme defunct in Chersoo Awantipora, locals suffer
Awantipora: A lift irrigation scheme in Awantipora area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district has been lying defunct for the past four days, leaving residents high and dry.
Locals from Chersoo Awantipora in Pulwama district said the scheme was in order but has been left defunct for the past few days due to which people are suffering in peak paddy saplings plantation season.
They said that officials of the concerned department visited the spot to make the pump functional but failed to do so.
They further added that paddy plantation season is on peak and their whole land is dependent on this scheme but when it is defunct how can they can plant paddy saplings.
“Residents have already sowed paddy saplings but in absence of water, it has started drying up,” the resident said.
“Ironically, the mechanical wing and civil wing of the department pass the buck,” they said.
The residents said they urged the department to look into the matter and check all machinery of the scheme during off season.
“But no attention is being given towards this grave issue for unknown reasons,” the residents said.
An official of the concerned department said that due to continuous sand extraction, the water level was receding every year and fitted pipes remain above water level.
“We are fitting one more pipe so that it can dip in water and it can lift water again. Hopefully pump will be made functional tomorrow,” the official said.
KV Correspondent
