Shopian residents demand cleaning of water canals
Shopian: The residents of different villages of Shopian have demanded cleaning of water canals passing through their areas. The move according to the locals will ensure better irrigation facilities to farms and agricultural lands.
People of Reshnagri, Ramnagri, Chek Masjid, Adijan and other adjoining areas of Shopian have alleged that the irrigation department has failed to restore and clean the canal passing through the area.
They said that the canal supplying the water for irrigation to these villages was constructed decades ago but unfortunately little attention was paid by the concerned department for the renovation of the same canal.
They said that the canal is in a very dilapidated condition and major portion of the canal is under encroachment.
The locals alleged that the concerned department had never paid heed to the demands of people and the employees posted there are never traceable.
“The drinking water pipes had been laid in the same canal which adds to the miseries of people during rainy days,” said Junaid Ahmad, a local resident.
He said that the canal has been cut at various spots by the people living on canal side but the department is in deep slumber and the employees never dare to take any action against the culprits.
They said that the Vedji canal which is source of irrigation to many villages like Shamsipora, Vehil, Nowgam, Megnipra, Dangerpora, Saidpora are facing the severe issues.
Locals said that the canal had proven fatal for many people and had claimed many lives till date.
They said that although the canal is rain fed and witnesses many flash floods in a year due to which it always poses threat to the lives of people.
The canal needs immediate attention by work of protection bunds from Sedow to Vehil but the flood department has never tried to solve this long pending demand of people, they added.
DDC member Kanjiullar Shopian Tahir Ahmad Mir also said that canals in the area are lying in dilapidated condition and need immediate restoration.
DDC member along with locals have requested higher ups to look into the matter and take steps for restoration of canals so that locals can heave a sigh of relief.
Jahangeer Ganaie
