Waris Fayaz
Sopore, Jul 02: A worsening water crisis has hit parts of north Kashmir, particularly in the Sopore region, where over 40,000 kanals of farmland—including villages like Zaloora, Sagipora, Harwan, and neighboring areas—are facing severe drought conditions due to dried-up irrigation sources and an ongoing heatwave.
The drying of the Lal Koul stream, which originates from Kupwara and serves as the main irrigation source, has left farmers helpless. Many fields lie cracked and barren, with little to no water to sustain the current paddy crop.
Farmers from Sagipora, expressed deep frustration, blaming government apathy and poor irrigation planning. “It’s the final stage now. We’re being pushed to the brink,” one farmer said, adding that if the situation continues, many may face extreme consequences, including potential suicides.
An elderly farmer said he had never seen such conditions in his lifetime. “No warnings were given, no alternate arrangements were made,” he lamented.
Many farmers criticized the irrigation department for collecting fees despite the water scarcity and failing to install even basic water pumps or alternative solutions. “Had we known about the water shortage, we wouldn’t have gone for paddy cultivation,” one farmer from Zaloora added.
The crisis has been further compounded as several villages in the Zaingeer belt reportedly skipped paddy cultivation altogether this season due to lack of water. For those who sowed, the threat of complete crop failure looms large.
“Our fields are turning barren. The government needs to intervene now before it’s too late,” farmers from Sagipora said. Many of them are caught in a financial bind, forced to choose between repaying debts and meeting household needs.
Similar concerns are emerging from areas like Handwara, where farmers are also grappling with dried irrigation channels and scant departmental support despite official claims.
The affected residents have urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Chief Minister, and local legislators to initiate emergency relief and irrigation measures to prevent an agricultural disaster.
When reached for comment, the concerned Executive Engineer cited being in a meeting and did not respond. However, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore, S.A. Raina, assured that the issue would be raised with the relevant department on a priority basis—(KNO)
