Hakeem seeks proportionate water allocation for irrigation, Asks Govt not to overlook core agriculture sector

Srinagar : Calling upon the Jal Jeevan Mission’ (JJM) to provide 100% functional household tap Connections (FHTC) to rural households for ensuring water security to it’s population as it has been a promising endeavour of the Government the Chairman Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Front ( J&K PDF )and former Minister Hakeem Muhammad Yaseen on Tuesday said that there is dire need to address the irrigation water requirements of the farmers also with zeal and zest for ensuring sustainable growth of agriculture and horticulture economy. He said just as the right to clean water is guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India , the right to irrigation water to farmers was also guaranteed as irrigation was pivotal for propelling the overall rural economy.
In a statement issued on Tuesday Hakeem while hailing the primary idea behind the JJM , has urged the need to keep irrigation water needs of the farmers also in consideration , in the course of taping various water for JJM from various upper resources like rivers , khohls and dams , so that adequate water allocations are earmarked for irrigation purposes. He said farming community has every right on proportionate allocation of water ,out of various water resources , for irrigation of its agriculture and horticulture activities. “ Riparian water rights is a worldwide system for allocating water among those who possess land along its path as it was imperative for boosting rural economy ,Hakeem Yaseen said adding it has its origins in English common law as also in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and states in the eastern United States.
PDF Chairman said that while taping reliable drinking water sources or augmentation of existing sources to provide long-term sustainability of drinking water supply system, the experts and senior engineers should dovetail each scheme with a provision for irrigation water supply mechanism to cater to the requirements of the farmers of the respective areas . Otherwise , in the run up to the pomp and show of JJM ,we may skip development of the most pivotal sector of our rural economy more specifically agriculture and horticulture . “ The agriculture sector of J&K currently contributes 16% to GSDP and provides employment to 60% of J&K’s population. The sector holds a very vital importance in UT’s growth and development trajectory. About 35 lakh persons earn livelihood from the fruit industry alone in J&K, “Hakeem maintained adding that policy planners and engineers can not overlook this aspect while exploiting various water resources in Jammu and Kashmir. We have to keep in mind that there were adverse future climatic warnings like harsh draught that may spur worst ever water scarcity in J&K in coming months and be ready with our adequate response to repel its impact.