Raja Akber
Handwara, June 18 (KNS) : Residents from several villages in Mawer belt on Saturday gathered to clean local canals in the area on their own, while accusing the departments concerned of failing to deliver.
The residents said that the Rural Development Department and the Irrigation Department have failed to clean this canal despite receiving funds for the same.
They said that their negligence has caused great inconvenience to farmers in the area.
“Earlier, they would clean the canal themselves through a common contribution called Halshari. However, for the last five years no department came forward for its cleaning, leaving farmers from villages such as Qalamabad, Audoora, Drangsoo, Shahnagri, Shirhama, Lach, Mawer Bala, Mawer Payeen, Sanzipora, Yahama, Lawoosa, and others in a state of uncertainty.”
They said that they were left with no other option, but to clean the canal on their own.
“Even though we are doing it ourselves and have made considerable progress, it is important to inform the Irrigation Department and the administration that they abandoned us when we needed their support."
The villagers hoped that by highlighting their situation, the authorities will take notice and fulfill their responsibilities in maintaining the irrigation canals, ensuring a smooth water supply for the farmers in the future. (KNS)