Kulgam, September 25: Locals of Manzgam village in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district have expressed their dismay over the encroachment of a canal that passes through the village.
Locals here said the canal, originating from river Vishu at Aherbal area of the district, was constructed in 1960 by the villagers in order to provide water for drinking purpose and irrigation facility to different villages like Watto, Korel, Adabal, Khud Hanjipora, Mirwani and Mangam.
“The canal that passes through the 3rd largest village, Manzgam, of the district is the only sources of water for almost ten thousand households here which has got squeezed due to the continuous encroachment, while as the concerned department is in deep slumber,” they added.
The locals further said that in 2014 the irrigation department undertook the developmental work of the canal and got it concreted upto 6 km and then it was lefty as such. “Maximum part of the canal is in a dilapidated condition.”
One of the residents in Manzgam, Javid Ahmad, alleged that some persons have started constructing different structures over the canal. “Our village is suffering a shortage of water ”, he added.
Executive Engineer Irrigation and flood Department Kulgam Said, they had already visited the spot along revenue department to take the note of traces where the canal is visible and had started work to that spot as the canal was constructed some 40 50 years ago it’s difficult to find out its actual spot and its traces.
But naturally after complaint by the said villagers they had taken action against it and till they will reach to any conclusion illegal construction has been stopped, he added.
