Sopore, Jul 03 (KNO): In a major relief to hundreds of distressed farmers in north Kashmir, irrigation supply to dried paddy fields in parts of Sopore and adjoining areas was restored late Wednesday night, hours after news agency — Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reported on the severe water crisis crippling the region.
Following KNO’s report, highlighting the plight of over 40,000 kanals of parched land across villages like Zaloora, Sagipora, Harwan and several others, the irrigation department swung into action.
Officials reached the affected sites at around 11 PM and worked overnight to restore the water flow through the dried-up Lal Koul stream.
Local farmers, who had earlier expressed despair and warned of mass suicides if no action was taken, breathed a sigh of relief. “We were left hopeless, but the media report, especially your (KNO’s) report changed everything. Within hours, officials came and ensured supply to our fields", said a farmer from Sagipora.
The swift action came after mounting pressure from the ground and public appeal to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Chief Minister and local representatives. Farmers have especially thanked Ministers Javed Rana and Javed Dar for intervening and directing immediate measures through the concerned departments.
Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore, S.A Raina, had earlier assured that the matter would be taken up on priority. “It will take a few days to fully irrigate the paddy fields, but the water has reached and is steadily covering the remaining land", farmers said, appreciating the cooperation shown by the Handwara wing, “which hasn’t been witnessed before”.
Farmers in Sopore, Zaingeer and others parts, who had skipped paddy cultivation this season due to dry canals are now hopeful the relief will sustain. “This move has saved not only our crops but our families from ruin,” said a grower from Harwan—(KNO)