Pulwama residents demand cleaning of Water channels in Lassipora area
Pulwama: The residents of Tumlahal, Lassipora, and adjoining villages in Pulwama district have voiced growing concerns over the deteriorating condition of local water channels and bodies, demanding immediate action from the concerned authorities ahead of the crucial agricultural and horticultural season.
Locals allege that the irrigation canals, once vital lifelines for paddy and fruit cultivation, are now clogged with silt, plastic waste, and overgrown vegetation.
“These channels have not been cleaned for years. If they are not cleared now, the water won’t reach our fields, and our crops will suffer,” said Ghulam Nabi, a farmer from Lassipora.
Farmers stress that clean water supply is critical at this time of year as they prepare their fields for sowing.
The neglected condition of the canals, they say, poses a serious threat to both agriculture and horticulture, which form the backbone of the region’s economy.
They have urged the Department of Irrigation and Flood Control to carry out desilting and cleaning drives immediately.
“We request the district administration to take this matter seriously. Delay in cleaning could lead to water scarcity for farming, impacting hundreds of families,” said Zakir Ahmad, a local resident.
He said that this issue was brought in the notice of concerned authorities several times but to no avail.
The residents have called for quick and visible action, warning that continued inaction could affect crop yields and cause economic hardship in the region.
They have sought the attention of Deputy Commissioner Pulwama in this regard.
Officials from the irrigation department, when contacted, assured that a plan for cleaning the water bodies is in place and will be executed soon.
“We are aware of the situation. Necessary steps will be taken to ensure smooth water flow to agricultural fields,” he added.
