Jahangeer Ganaie
Shopian, Aug 1: Residents of several villages of Shopian have urged authorities to clean water canals passing through their areas.
People of Reshnagri, Ramnagri, Chek Masjid, Adijan and other adjoining areas of Shopian said they are not ‘satisfied’ with the work of the irrigation department as they failed to restore the canal passing through their area.
They said that the canal supplying the water for irrigation to these villages was constructed decades ago but unfortunately little attention was paid by the concerned department for the renovation of the same canal.
They said that the canal is in a very dilapidated condition and has been encroached at several places.
They alleged that the concerned department had never paid heed to the demands of people and the employees posted there are never traceable.
The drinking water pipes had been laid in the same canal which adds to the misery of people during rainy days, said Shafiq Ahmed, a local.
He said that the canal has been cut at various spots by the people living on the canal side but the department is in deep slumber and never dares to take any action against the culprits.
They said that the vedji canal, which is the source of irrigation to many villages like Shamsipora, Vehil, Nowgam, Megnipra, Dangerpora, Saidpora are facing severe issues.
Locals said that the canal had proven fatal to many and had claimed many lives till date.
They said that although the canal is rain fed and witnesses many flash floods in a year due to which it always poses threat to the lives of people.
The canal needs immediate attention by work of protection bunds from Sedow to Vehil.
DDC member Kanjiullar Shopian Tahir Ahmad Mir acknowledged that canals in the area are lying in dilapidated condition and needs immediate restoration.
The DDC member along with locals have requested higher ups to look into the matter and take steps for restoration of canals.
