Farmers forced to clean irrigation canal as water crisis deepens in Bijbehara villages
Anantnag: Amid the ongoing paddy transplantation season, residents and farmers from Pazalpora, Gund Nasir, Jablipora and Mananpora villages in Bijbehara have voiced serious concern over the lack of irrigation facilities, alleging that the failure of the concerned Irrigation Department to ensure water supply has left hundreds of cultivators struggling to prepare their fields.
The affected residents said that agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for a large section of the population in these villages and the timely availability of irrigation water is essential for successful paddy cultivation. However, despite the commencement of transplantation activities, irrigation channels continue to remain clogged and poorly maintained, resulting in inadequate water reaching agricultural lands.
According to the locals, the villages fall under the jurisdiction of the Irrigation Department Kulgam, but officials and field staff rarely visit the area to inspect the condition of irrigation canals or assess the difficulties being faced by farmers on the ground.
“We have repeatedly approached the concerned authorities and informed them about the deteriorating condition of the irrigation canal, but our grievances have largely gone unheard,” said a resident of Pazalpora. “Every year we are given assurances that the problem will be resolved, but when the farming season arrives, we are left to fend for ourselves.”
Farmers said the situation has become increasingly challenging as the transplantation window is limited and any delay in irrigation can directly impact crop productivity and agricultural income.
“With no visible action from the department, we had no option but to pool our own resources,” said another local farmer from Gund Nasir. “The community collected money and hired a JCB machine to remove silt and blockages from the canal so that water could flow towards our fields. This is a responsibility that should have been fulfilled by the department.”
Residents expressed disappointment over what they described as official neglect and said that despite contributing significantly to the local agricultural economy, farming communities continue to face basic infrastructural deficiencies.
A farmer from Jablipora said the lack of irrigation water at such a critical stage could severely affect paddy cultivation. “Paddy farming depends entirely on timely water supply. If irrigation facilities are not restored immediately, many farmers may suffer substantial losses. The authorities must understand the urgency of the situation.”
Locals further stated that the canal has accumulated large quantities of silt, weeds and debris over time, significantly reducing its carrying capacity and disrupting the smooth flow of water to farmlands.
The residents have urged the District Administration Anantnag and the Irrigation Department to take immediate corrective measures, including comprehensive desilting of the canal, regular maintenance of irrigation infrastructure and deployment of field staff to monitor the situation.
“We are not asking for anything extraordinary,” said a resident of Mananpora. “We simply want the government to ensure the basic irrigation facilities required for cultivation. Farmers are already battling rising input costs and uncertain weather conditions. Lack of water should not become another burden.”
The farming community appealed to higher authorities to personally look into the matter and ensure uninterrupted irrigation supply on priority, warning that continued inaction could adversely affect paddy production and the livelihoods of hundreds of families dependent on agriculture in the area.
Residents said prompt intervention is crucial not only for safeguarding the current cropping season but also for restoring confidence among farmers who feel increasingly neglected despite repeated appeals for assistance.
