Jahangeer Ganaie
Awantipora, Jun 21 : After the recent breach in Awantipora canal at Waghama area of Bijbehara, the new channel section of the canal has been successfully completed and recharged, restoring vital irrigation water to hundreds of farmers across parts of Anantnag and Pulwama districts of south Kashmir.
Speaking to the news agency, an official of Irrigation and Flood Control, Anantnag said that after four days of relentless work by the department, water began flowing through the new channel early Saturday. This has brought immediate relief to anxious farmers who had been staring at a potentially devastating disruption during the peak paddy transplantation season, he said.
“We did it under immense pressure,” said an official from the department. “The breach threatened a large chunk of agricultural activity, and our teams worked round-the-clock to restore the supply. Today, water is flowing again, and that’s our biggest reward.”
The breach had crippled irrigation in the region, leaving fields parched and threatening the livelihoods of farmers who rely on the canal during the critical planting window.
The urgency was compounded by the damage to the nearby High Diversion Road under the PMGSY scheme, which had also affected transportation in the area.
As water gushed into the fields again, farmers expressed both joy and concern. “Water is flowing again—that’s all we needed,” said Shaheena Bano of Awantipora area, watching her paddy fields come back to life. “But these problems shouldn’t keep repeating every year. We need strong, lasting solutions.”
Abdul Majid Lone from Anantnag said. “Even a few days without water can cost us an entire season’s income. This canal is our backbone. It must be maintained properly.”
Locals urged the government to take long-term preventive measures. Elderly farmer Ghulam Ahmad Bhat emphasised the importance of infrastructure planning. “Temporary fixes are not enough. The embankments must be reinforced and desilted regularly. Only then can we avoid such crises,” he said.
Officials assured that post-restoration assessments will be carried out to address vulnerabilities and prevent future breaches. “We are committed to improving the system,” said another senior official. “Now that the immediate threat is handled, we will take stock and propose durable solutions to ensure uninterrupted irrigation in the future.”
With the water supply restored, farmers have quickly resumed preparations for transplanting. The timely action has, for now, saved the agricultural cycle from derailment.
“This is our season of hope,” said Bashir Ahmad Dar, a local grower. “The seedlings are ready. Now, with water back, we can finally work with peace of mind.”
