Budgam farmers protest blocking of irrigation canal
Srinagar, July 1: Angry over blocking of irrigation canal, which caters around 1500 kanal agricultural land in a village at Chadoora area in central Budgam allegedly by I&FC department, the farmers today staged protest here demanding canal to be immediately resurrected for smooth farming activities.
Protesters holding paddy saplings in their hands assembled at Press Enclave this evening to protest irrigation and Flood Control department’s alleged blocking of canal which they claimed irrigates over 1500 kanals of land being used by the farmers for agricultural activities.
They said despite directions from the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam to restore water supply to farms, I&FC department has not taken any action.
The protestors said that the 35 feet wide canal has been reduced to mere 12 feet as the encroachers with alleged help of I&FC department have constructed residential houses around it.
Protesters appealed Governor Satyapal Malik and DC Budgam to look into the issue and order a probe as to how residential structures were erected around the canal.
The protesting farmers threatened to stop agricultural activities in future as a mark of protest for allegedly being victimized by I&FC department.
