Bandipora, Jan 21 (JKNS): Farmers from Nowgam Block of Sonawari in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Wednesday staged a protest demanding the immediate desilting of the Nowgam Canal, accusing the authorities of ignoring their long-pending demand.
As per news agency JKNS, The protesting farmers said the Nowgam Canal, which once irrigated thousands of paddy fields in the area, was badly damaged and choked with silt and debris during the devastating floods of 2014. Despite repeated appeals to the concerned departments, no concrete action has been taken so far.
They warned that further delay in carrying out the desilting work would severely affect the upcoming agricultural season. “This is the most suitable time for desilting. If the work is postponed again, we will be deprived of irrigation facilities for another year,” the farmers said.
Expressing serious concern over possible crop losses and economic hardship, the farmers urged the district administration to intervene immediately and ensure time-bound restoration of the canal.
They further warned that if the work is delayed and the weather conditions worsen, their agricultural land may remain barren this year as well, causing heavy losses to the farming community. (JKNS)
