Jammu: Former Minister and Senior BJP leader Sukhnandan Choudhary, accompanied by Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, Media Incharge, J&K BJP, addressed a press conference at the BJP Party headquarters in Trikuta Nagar, Jammu, to strongly highlight the pressing issues faced by farmers due to the alleged negligence of the National Conference (NC) government in maintaining irrigation infrastructure.
Addressing the media, Choudhary expressed serious concern over the failure of the concerned authorities regarding cleaning and desilting of 74 minor canals falling under irrigation Division-1 and near about 150 others falling under divisions-II and Akhnoor division. He stated that these canals are a vital source of irrigation for a large number of farmers in the region, and their current neglected condition has severely impacted agricultural activities. As the desilting of main Canals has been done by the department and water has already been opened in these main canals but of no use until unless the desilting of minor canals have not been done. If the water will not reach up to the tail end what is purpose of doing all this.
Choudhary pointed out that the accumulation of silt, debris, and overgrowth in these canals has obstructed the proper flow of water, depriving farmers of essential irrigation during a crucial period for crop cultivation. Paddy sowing season is about start within two weeks time but the concerned departments are still not waking up to cleaning all these minor canals.“Farmers are the backbone of our economy, and such apathy towards their basic needs is unacceptable,” he said.
He further criticized the irresponsive and unaccountable behaviour of the NC government towards the farming community of Jammu division in particular as the issues of farmers of Jammu division are always remain unheard, such as timely providing fertilizers, seeds or desilting of minor canals of Jammu divisions is concerned.
He added that neglecting the genuine issues of farming community is causing not only economic distress but also emotional hardship for farmers who depend entirely on these water resources for their livelihoods.
Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Choudhary appealed to the Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha, to personally intervene in the matter and ensure that immediate corrective measures must be taken on time.
He also tried to apprise the Ho ‘ble LG to appoint solely the commissioner secretary of PHE, Irrigation and flood control as the officer who is looking after this department as additional charge is already over burden of having charge of other departments.
He urged the administration to initiate a comprehensive cleaning drive of all minor canals under all the divisions of the Jammu province and to establish a regular maintenance mechanism to prevent such issues in the future.
“The government must act swiftly to restore confidence among farmers and safeguard their interests. Timely action can prevent further losses and ensure that agricultural productivity is not compromised,” Choudhary asserted.
He also called for greater transparency and accountability in the functioning of the irrigation department, suggesting that officials responsible for the delay and negligence should be held answerable.
