Jahangeer Ganaie
Anantnag, Jul 1: A deepening drought across south Kashmir has pushed agriculture to the brink, with hundreds of acres of farmland in districts like Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian facing severe irrigation crises.
Despite efforts from the administration, low water levels in irrigation canals have left paddy fields parched and farmers distraught.
In several villages of Anantnag — including Hakura, Palpora, Khoshipora, Bragam, Nowpora, Kreeri, Nethipora, Batengoo, Uranhall, Shamsipora, Jablipora, Husanpora, Aarwani, Monghal, Chirhama, and Ruhu — vast stretches of paddy land are cracking under the scorching heat, with no signs of water flow.
“This is nothing short of a looming agricultural disaster,” Ghulam Nabi, a farmer from Palpora said. “We depend entirely on agriculture for our livelihood. If this continues, we will have no rice to eat or sell.”
In Kulgam, Shopian and Pulwama, similar scenes are unfolding at different locations like Frisal hamlet in Kulgam, Awantipora and Kakapora hamlets of Pulwama and Wanduna area of Shopian.
“Water levels in the irrigation canals have dropped drastically. We see officials come and inspect, but nothing changes on the ground,” said Abdul Rashid, a farmer from Pulwama. “We feel abandoned.”
The heatwave has worsened the situation. With little to no rainfall in recent weeks, irrigation sources have dried up, and natural springs are running at alarmingly low levels.
Farmers in Awantipora area say the situation is unprecedented. “We have never seen this level of drought in recent years,” said Bashir Ahmad Wani.
They questioned that drought-like situations are now common and authorities should have a proper plan in this regard and an emergency pump should have been in place.
Officials from the Irrigation Department acknowledge the crisis. “We are aware of the situation and are trying to deploy available water resources efficiently. However, the water level in canals and streams is exceptionally low due to prolonged dry weather,” said a senior official on the condition of anonymity.
“If the government doesn’t act now — either by arranging alternate irrigation sources or declaring compensation — thousands of families will suffer crop loss,” said Mohammad Amin, a grower from Awantipora.
Farmers urged the administration to declare drought-hit zones and ensure the supply of water through mechanical means where possible.
If we had been aware of this situation before, we would have never sown paddy, and the authorities too should have informed us before, they said.
At many locations, part ofthe land has been drying up after paddy transplantation, while another part has been left after tilling due to unavailability of water.
“If we lose this crop, it’s not just a loss of crops — it’s a loss of livelihood, dignity, and sustenance for thousands,” said another distressed farmer from Anantnag.
As the skies stay dry and canals turn into dustbeds, the agrarian belt of south Kashmir stares at a crisis that could have long-lasting consequences on food security and rural economy unless swift, concrete steps are taken.
Meanwhile, canals irrigating both agriculture and horticulture land in parts of South Kashmir will remain closed for a few days from tomorrow.
Lift irrigation schemes, which irrigate thousands of canals of horticulture land in Khiram, Sirhama and other villages, will remain closed from tomorrow and this is happening for the first time, as per locals.
“In view of the prevailing drought conditions and prolonged dry spell, Irrigation scheduling (Warbandi) is hereby framed for providing irrigation supplies to all the beneficiaries of the Dadi Canal in a phased manner,” reads the notice of the irrigation department.
“During the Irrigation Scheduling (Warbandi), all Lift Irrigation schemes and outlets from villages of Srigufwara, Hatigam, Nowshehra, Khiram, Sirhama, Sheetipora, Shalagam and Waghama on Dadi canal shall remain closed for day as well as night. The Warbandi Schedule shall be implemented strictly by the field staff, including Zilladari officials in coordination with Pani Samitis and Lumberdars concerned,” it adds.
Meanwhile, locals said that completely shutting down lift irrigation schemes is an injustice. They said horticultural areas also deserve irrigation facilities at this time.
All schemes should remain functional either during the day or at night to ensure fair distribution, they said, adding that the Dadi Canal is operating at its usual capacity.
“Just like last year, we are equally concerned about drought-like situations in Dadoo and other areas, and for that, lift irrigation schemes were shut at night in June, so this decision needs to be revised,” they said.
The residents have requested Deputy Commissioner Anantnag to intervene at the earliest. (KNO)
