South Kashmir farmers seek urgent desilting of canals ahead of sowing season

Srinagar, Apr 24: As the agricultural season approaches, residents and farmers across several parts of south Kashmir have raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of irrigation canals and streams, urging authorities to carry out immediate desilting and restoration work to prevent disruption to farming activities.
Residents from areas including Pulwama, Tral, Kakapora, Pampore, Awantipora, Litter, Rajpora, Bijbehara, Srigufwara, Mattan, Pahalgam, Dooru, Kokernag, Dialgam, Qazigund, Khudwani, Kund, DH Pora, Yaripora, and Zainapora alleged that many canals have turned into dumping sites and have been encroached upon through illegal constructions.
“These canals were once lifelines for our fields, but today they resemble garbage dumps. In several places, their original paths have been blocked or narrowed due to unchecked construction,” a farmer from Tral said. “If timely desilting is not carried out, we fear severe water shortages during the peak sowing period.”
They said irrigation canals are crucial for sustaining the region’s agriculture-dependent economy, particularly for paddy cultivation and horticulture. Locals expressed frustration over what they described as a recurring pattern of delayed action by the concerned departments.
“Every year, desilting work begins when the irrigation demand is already at its peak. By then, the damage is done. Crops suffer due to the lack of timely water supply,” said another resident from Bijbehara. “The authorities must complete the cleaning process well before the start of the season.”
In addition to canal restoration, locals have also called for a thorough inspection and trial run of irrigation pump stations and associated infrastructure.
The residents said ensuring the functionality of machinery in advance would help avoid last-minute breakdowns that often leave farmers struggling.
“We request that the department check all pump stations and equipment beforehand so that everything is operational when needed. Farmers cannot afford uncertainty during such a critical period,” a resident from Pampore added.
The repeated issues over the past few years, residents said, have already impacted agricultural productivity and added to the hardships faced by farmers in the region.
Responding to the concerns, an official from the Irrigation Department acknowledged the issue and assured that necessary measures are being taken. “We have already forwarded a list of canals requiring desilting to the Rural Development Department. The process will be initiated and completed before the agricultural season begins,” he said.
The official added, “We are committed to ensuring improved irrigation facilities this year and will also review the readiness of pump stations and infrastructure to avoid inconvenience to farmers.” (KNO)