Irrigation water crisis: Lelhara Pulwama residents suffer as fields run dry
Pulwama- The residents of Lelhara area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district have been claiming huge losses due to the non-availability of water for irrigational purposes.
The residents of the area said that their paddy crop is at a risk of a burn out as there is huge shortage of irrigation water in the area.
They said that the irrigation department has constructed a scheme in the area a few years back but it fails to cater to the whole area.
Mohammad Maqbool Paul, a local resident said that for the past several years they have been facing irrigation water shortage during critical phases of paddy cultivation and growth.
He said that authorities were informed in this regard several times who assure that steps in this regard will be taken but as of now nothing has been done on ground.
Irshad Ahmad, another local said that this is a critical phase of paddy and it needs maximum water but due to unavailability of water people have been suffering. And fear he losses.
He said that if the situation continues to remain like this for another couple of days their whole crop on which they are dependent will get destroyed and they will face losses.
The farmers said that during this heatwave they have apprised concerned authorities several times but it seems that their pleas are falling on deaf ears.
Meanwhile, an official of the irrigation department said that there are irrigation water issues in the area due to drop in water level of river Jhelum that is the source of the scheme.
He said that the department has been making efforts to restore supply in the area so that people won’t suffer.
He said that for permanent solution they have submitted a proposal before higher ups and they hope that it will be approved and people will get one time relief.
