Jahangeer Ganaie
Anantnag, Jun 10: A lift irrigation scheme in the Natipora Sangam area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district has ceased to function, causing significant distress to local farmers.
According to locals, the scheme, which was previously operating efficiently, has stopped working due to a reduced water level in the Jhelum River near the scheme site. This reduction is reportedly a result of illegal sand extraction, which has redirected the river’s flow away from the scheme.
Abdul Rehman, a resident of Natipora Sangam, said the ongoing paddy plantation season relies heavily on this irrigation scheme.
“Without its operation, farmers are struggling to plant paddy saplings,” he said. “Some farmers who have already planted their crops are seeing their saplings dry up due to the lack of water, threatening substantial losses if the situation is not addressed promptly.”
Local residents expressed their frustration with the administration’s response. “When we contact the Mechanical wing of the concerned department, we are redirected to the Civil wing, and vice versa. Despite repeated demands for a drought pump and the clearing of silt near the scheme, no effective measures have been implemented,” they said.
The majority of the population in this area depends directly on agricultural production, said a local farmer. “If immediate steps are not taken, we won’t be able to harvest anything,” he said.
An official from the concerned department acknowledged the issue. He said the decreasing water levels are due to ongoing sand extraction, which leaves the fitted pipes above the water level. He assured that necessary arrangements will be made soon to restore the functionality of the scheme.
The affected farmers and residents have made urgent appeals to higher authorities to intervene and ensure the scheme becomes operational again so that they can proceed with their agricultural activities and avert losses.
