Srinagar, August 17: Ghulam Nabi Malik general secretary Jammu Kashmir Kisan Tehreek (JKKT) on Monday said that the continuous dry weather conditions and scorching heat wave has resulted in acute shortage of drinking water and irrigation facilities across Kashmir valley while the authorities have failed to address these issues.
With Kashmir witnessing little to no rain during the last three months and ‘unexpected’ above normal temperatures, people associated with different farming activities in the valley are a worried lot these days. The change in the weather pattern, including low rainfall, has hugely affected Kashmir’s agriculture and horticulture produce.
Periods of dry weather, with irregular rainfall, have been increasing over the years in the Valley. But this year is exceptionally bad. Most of the irrigation canals and other water sources have almost dried up with faulty PHE and Irrigation schemes adding to the miseries of the people. The government should have been prepared for this situation but unfortunately, they are watching as mute spectators.
The authorities must ensure that all PHE, Lift/gravity irrigation schemes are made functional with 24X7 power supply for these schemes. There is immediate need for repairs and change in the pipes wherever it is required.
The government must allocate added funds for water harvest schemes, protection of water bodies and other available sources. The crisis is not restricted to irrigation. There is a huge shortage of potable water across Kashmir and especially in Srinagar city. A large number of areas are reeling under the acute water crisis for the last several months.
Taps in several localities were running dry and women in particular were facing huge hardships due to water shortage. Women have to go out of their homes to fetch water amid CVID-19 pandemic which is unfortunate.
The concerned department must press in water tankers in the affected areas till the time situation improves.
