G’bal: The unavailability of irrigation facilities is severely impacting the paddy crop in Arhama village of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district.
Farmers from the affected area have expressed their concerns to the media, stating that paddy saplings planted on hundreds of kanals of land are drying up due to defunct lift irrigation schemes and pumps. This crisis is affecting thousands of families who rely on agriculture for their livelihood.
Residents of Arhama and neighboring villages are unable to irrigate their paddy fields because water is not flowing through the Baba canal. Despite planting paddy saplings weeks ago, the water level in the canal has significantly decreased, leaving fields parched.
Locals accuse the concerned department of negligence, highlighting that the problem remains unresolved. “The situation is leading towards drought and we might face starvation,” said one resident, emphasizing the dire consequences of the water shortage on the community’s primary source of income.
The residents, heavily reliant on agriculture and particularly rice cultivation, are unable to grow other crops due to the lack of water. They urge the authorities to prioritize this issue to prevent starvation and secure their livelihood.
“The Baba canal and other nearby canals mostly remain dry during the peak season,” a resident lamented, pointing out that this is not the first time they have faced such a crisis. Last year, despite similar conditions, the Irrigation Department did not provide the necessary assistance.
The affected farmers are now appealing to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and officials of the irrigation department to take immediate action to restore irrigation to their paddy fields, preventing further suffering and potential starvation.
