Bilal Habib
Pampore, June 13: Member of the Legislative Assembly from Pampore and Retired Justice Hasnain Masoodi on Thursday visited the lift irrigation scheme at Hatiwara, Lethpora in Pampore Tehsil to assess the prevailing irrigation issues affecting local farmers.
He was accompanied by Tehsildar Pampore, Malik Asif Ahmad, and other concerned officials.
During the visit, residents from Lethpora and nearby areas raised concerns over the acute shortage of irrigation water, especially for paddy cultivation. The locals urged the authorities to formulate a long-term strategy to resolve the persistent water crisis affecting agricultural activities in the region.
Interacting with both the residents and officials on site, MLA Masoodi expressed serious concern over the hardships faced by the farming community due to the disruption in irrigation services. He issued on-spot instructions to the concerned departments to restore the irrigation facilities immediately and work out urgent solutions.
Talking to Kashmir Convener, Justice Masoodi said that during his previous visit, the entire lift irrigation system had been made functional and water supply had resumed. However, due to the recent drop in water levels in the Jhelum River, the pumps are no longer functioning effectively as they are not drawing adequate water.
“Earlier, we had assured the farmers that they could go ahead with paddy cultivation since the scheme was operational. But the current low water levels have triggered a serious crisis,” he said. “That is why I came here today—to reassess the situation with the engineers, the Tehsildar, and most importantly, to hear directly from the affected farmers.”
He added that he has directed engineers to look into short-term alternatives to ease the present situation. “One proposal is to install a drought pump that will prevent such crises in the future. With the new system in place, water supply for irrigation can be ensured even if river levels drop,” Masoodi explained.
The MLA said the concerned officers have assured him of their cooperation and committed to taking immediate steps. “We will also approach the Secretariat and take up the matter with senior officials to ensure long-term relief for the farming community. Our goal is to reduce the hardship of the farmers and support them through timely and effective intervention,” he said.
