Sheeri: The historic Lift Irrigation Scheme at Sheeri, once considered a lifeline for thousands of kanals of agricultural land across Sheeri and adjoining villages including Fatehgarh, Heewan, Zogyar and Shaltang, has fallen into severe disrepair, with residents alleging negligence, poor execution of works and administrative apathy.
The scheme’s sump, or jack well, meant to ensure uninterrupted irrigation supply, is currently filled with stagnant algae-covered water, silt and construction debris, raising concerns among local farmers ahead of the irrigation season.
Residents alleged that restoration and maintenance works carried out under officially sanctioned tenders were executed using substandard material and without adherence to proper engineering standards.
According to locals, structures that had remained intact for decades, including embankments, pillars and protective works, now show visible signs of damage.
“Earlier this place was properly maintained and farmers would even spend time here. Today it has turned into a site of filth and neglect,” said local farmer Abdul Gaffar.
Villagers claimed that heavy machinery, including JCBs, was used recklessly during desilting operations, damaging embankments and weakening the structure.
“In the name of cleaning, they have damaged the entire structure,” alleged Abdul Samad Bhat.
Locals also raised concerns regarding works executed under NIT No. 05 of 2025-26, under which ₹6.5 lakh was reportedly sanctioned for construction of a toe wall at the intake sump.
“The stone pitching is weak and loosely done. It may not survive even one season,” said Nazir Ahmad.
Another resident, Mohammad Ramzan, alleged that silt and gravel removed during desilting operations had been dumped around the premises instead of being cleared from the site.
Experts said regular maintenance of lift irrigation sumps is essential and includes systematic desilting, sludge removal, cleaning of intake screens and structural inspection to prevent erosion and damage to pumping machinery.
Residents said the present condition of the scheme raises serious questions over the functioning and supervision of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, which had floated multiple tenders for restoration works, including embankment protection through toe crates and gabions.
With the irrigation season approaching, farmers fear disruption in water supply could severely impact agricultural productivity in the area.
The residents have demanded a high-level inquiry into the execution of works at the scheme and sought accountability for what they termed misuse of public funds and negligence.
“If this is called development, then our future is in danger,” said a group of aggrieved farmers.
When contacted, Executive Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control Baramulla Abid Hussain Khan said the department had received several complaints regarding the deteriorating condition of the irrigation scheme.
He said a Detailed Project Report worth nearly ₹4.5 crore covering both civil and mechanical works had already been prepared and submitted to the government for funding.
“The department has been carrying out minor repairs, desilting works and emergency maintenance with limited funds available under maintenance allocations. The major challenge is inadequate funding,” he said.
Responding to concerns regarding garbage accumulation, damaged embankments and alleged poor-quality construction, the officer said the issues would be inspected and addressed.
“We will examine the condition of the canal and station, including beautification and strengthening works wherever necessary,” he added.
He further said the matter had recently been raised during an MLA meeting where public representatives highlighted the importance of the irrigation scheme for several dependent villages.
“The MLA has assured follow-up with the government, and we are hopeful the revival project will begin this year once funding is approved,” he said.
