Chadoora (Budgam), May 20: Scores of farmers on Sunday staged a protest against the Irrigation Department for “not undertaking desilting work” on 7 kilometer Marvel Irrigation canal which is the main source of irrigation for almost 1000 hectares of agricultural land in this central Kashmir area. 
 Farmers from Wathoora, Sheikhpora , Dooniwari  and its adjoining assembled at Wathoora and staged a sit-in. “The paddy saplings season has almost approached and the Marvel Irrigation canal is full of silt and other sorts of weeds. Heavy breach in the canal has occurred near Manishah Sahib area and the Irrigation department is not at all bothered to undertake desilting work” protesters said.
  “We have brought this matter into the notice of district administration on many occasions but till date nothing has been done to initiate the  work,” they added.
 When contacted District Development Commissioner Budgam Khursheed Ahmad Shah said that he would call the concerned Executive Engineer and ensure the  work begins as soon as possible in the area.
 Pertinently, water for irrigation purpose  is lifted from Jehlum river at Marvel village in Pampore area of Pulwama which is then supplied to nearly 30 villages of Pulwama and Budgam district particularly Chadoora area through a canal named after Marvel village.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 20 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 20 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 IST