Farmers say hundreds of acres deprived of adequate water supply, demand action
Pulwama, Apr 14 (KNO): More than ten years after the devastating 2014 floods ravaged large parts of Jammu and Kashmir, farmers in south Kashmir’s Pulwama and Shopian districts are still grappling with the aftermath, as a crucial irrigation siphon destroyed during the disaster remains unreconstructed.
The damaged siphon, located in Rakh village of Pulwama, once formed an essential part of a canal network that carried irrigation water across the Ranbiara rivulet to vast agricultural lands. Its collapse during the floods severed a lifeline for hundreds of farmers, leaving large tracts of farmland deprived of an adequate water supply.
Despite the passage of a decade and repeated appeals by locals, the structure has not been restored, severely affecting agricultural productivity in the last few years across multiple villages, including Rakh, Zahidbagh, Darbagh, Naina, Batpora and Watchi, spread across Pulwama and Shopian.
Farmers, speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the absence of the siphon has crippled irrigation, particularly during crucial farming seasons.
The siphon’s destruction also led to the deterioration of the canal system, with several stretches now reduced to dumping sites.
Locals alleged that the neglect has not only disrupted irrigation but also contributed to environmental degradation.
While authorities managed to restore road connectivity by constructing an alternate bridge near the site, the irrigation infrastructure continues to remain ignored. “They built a bridge for vehicles, but what about the farmers whose livelihoods depend on water?” the residents questioned.
In an attempt to mitigate the crisis, a pump shed was installed as a temporary arrangement. However, farmers describe it as unreliable and ineffective. “The pump works sporadically and depends heavily on electricity, which itself is erratic. Even when it functions, the water pressure is insufficient to reach distant fields,” said Abdul Hamid of Batpora.
Echoing similar concerns, Nisar Ahmad from Zahidbagh said that repeated representations to the Irrigation and Flood Control Department have yielded no concrete results. “For the past ten years, we have been hearing assurances, but nothing has changed on the ground. We need action, not promises,” he said.
Farmers said that they have suffered damage in the last few years due to crippled irrigation facilities, as pump sheds are unable to cater to the demand.
An official from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department acknowledged the delay and said that a comprehensive project to reconstruct the siphon and reconnect the canal had been approved several years ago. However, it could not be executed due to unspecified issues.
“We are aware of the seriousness of the problem. The project is still in the pipeline, and work is expected to commence soon,” the official said. “As of now, they have been managing through pump stations till permanent arrangements are made.”—(KNO)
