Pampore: Disheartened over the failure to clean an irrigation canal by the authorities, the farmers in Galander area of Pampore town in Pulwama clean a clogged canal which irrigates paddy fields of the area.
Ghulam Ahmad, a resident of Tulbagh area of Pampore town told Kashmir Reader that they have been repeatedly requesting officials of irrigation department for cleaning this vital canal that feeds hundreds of Kanals of paddy land.
“They have been ignoring our pleas, as the planting of paddy season is near to end, we were compelled to act on our own,” he said, adding that they hired a machine for Rs 6000 for cutting grass and other shrubs.
Ghulam Rasool, another resident of Namblabal Pampore told Kashmir Reader that they employed a number of labourers and a machine for cleaning the irrigation canal.
“We now appeal to the irrigation department not to withdraw any bills for this job that was done by the locals themselves,” he said.
Mohammad Younis Majeed, AEE, Irrigation department told Kashmir Reader that a new scheme sanctioned for the farmers is disputed.
“I have 87 canals to look after and have only 13 workers for this job,” he said, adding that he talked to farmers and assured them that they will clean the canal in a day or two.
When told that farmers had already cleaned the canal, he assured that the department will compensate them for the expenses incurred.

BILAL HABIB