Residents of Dragmulla have turned resentful towards authorities for failing to clear a canal that irrigates paddy fields in several villages in Kupwara district but has become a dumping site for the area’s garbage.
The canal known as Lal Koul which irrigates thousands ofkanals of rice fields in the frontier district is nearly choked with garbagereducing its flow.
“It would affect irrigation to the fields and hamper growthof paddy crop in the upcoming season as the water is becoming poisonous due togarbage dumped in it,” said Reyaz Ahmad, a resident of Bumhama.
The Lal Koul flows from from Bumhama through Drugmulla,Shalpora, Keegam, Nutnussa and many other villages.
“The summer season is round the corner and the condition ofstream is bound to worsen. The stream, known as lifeline for paddy on thousandsof Kanals has been ignored by the Irrigation Department. Cleaning of this watercanal is must to ensure adequate supply of irrigation water to fields,” saidRehman, a farmer from Drugmulla.
The canal also provided drinking water and was used forwashing purposes as well by the vuillagers living along it.
“Wate material coming from the homes is directly dumped intoit, the authorities are also nowhere seen to take any action,” said Fayaz Ahmadof Drugmulla.
Garbage piled along the canal has also attracted stray dogs.
“There will be a shortage of irrigation water if the streamis not cleaned of its weeds. At some places, the banks of stream need to beprotected to increase the flow of water. Paddy is the main source of our sustenanceand the Irrigation Department is not bothered to take care of this stream,”said Nisar Ahmad.
Executive Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control DepartmentMushtaq Ahmad said he “will personally visit the area and take appropriateaction to clean the water canal.”