Bandipora, Oct 16 (KNS) : An irrigation canal that supplies water to hundreds of kanals of agricultural land in two villages in north Kashmir's Bandipora district has allegedly been narrowed during drainage work carried out by the Rural Development Department (RDD), prompting locals to seek the administration's intervention.
A farmers' delegation from Gundpora and Gamroo villages alleged that the work carried out in Ganie Mohalla of Gundpora Rampora had reduced the canal's water-carrying capacity, affecting irrigation of agricultural land in the two villages.
"The canal was a major source of irrigation, but the department has reduced it to a small drain, severely affecting its water-carrying capacity," the delegation said.
The residents alleged that when they approached officials of the Arin block regarding the matter, they were threatened with consequences.
Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThey also claimed the work was undertaken without obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Irrigation Department.
The locals appealed to the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD), Bandipora, to intervene and ensure the canal's original capacity was restored.
An Irrigation Department official said the work would be dismantled as the RDD had not obtained the requisite NOC.
"Our team visited the site on Thursday, but some miscreants attacked them. Legal action will follow," the official said, adding that the paperwork related to the work would be stopped and the contractor's bill withheld.
Another official said action would be taken against those found responsible for the violations. (KNS)
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