Pulwama, March 06: The Jal Shakti Department has revealed that 797.80 hectares of land in 41 villages of Zainapora constituency, primarily Karewa orchards, still lack proper irrigation facilities.
The information was shared in response to an un-starred question raised by MLA Zainapora Showkat Hussain Ganie in the Legislative Assembly.
The government replied that 12 Lift Irrigation Schemes (LIS) are currently operational in the constituency, benefiting 22 villages and covering a cultivable command area (CCA) of 1,134.9 hectares.
These schemes draw water from various sources, including groundwater, canals, nallahs, and springs, ensuring irrigation for large tracts of agricultural land.
The operational schemes include Dug Well Momin Dangi, Tube Well Reshipora, lift irrigation schemes of Watchi, Naghard, Shaliwuder, Malchandal, Nilnag, Aglar Chirat, Heff, Awneera, Darbagh and Alamgunj.
Despite the existing infrastructure, nearly 800 hectares of land, particularly in the Karewa belt, remain without irrigation facilities. The government clarified that there are no immediate proposals for new lift irrigation schemes but assured that the department is continuously assessing the feasibility of new projects based on the Benefit-Cost (BC) ratio.
Farmers in the region have long demanded expansion of irrigation facilities, particularly in Karewa areas where orchards require consistent water supply to maintain productivity. The absence of irrigation infrastructure in these villages has made them vulnerable to seasonal droughts and erratic weather conditions, affecting overall horticulture yields.
