Srinagar, May 24: “The mismanagement of the past decade has severely affected irrigation facilities throughout Kashmir and the Omar Abdullah government is diligently working to rectify these issues and restore essential services to the region,” National Conference (NC) General Secretary and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Khanyar, Ali Muhammad Sagar said on Saturday.
During his interaction with various individual and public delegations at the party headquarters here, Sagar expressed his commitment to addressing pressing agricultural issues.
According to a party statement issued here, the visiting delegation highlighted a critical concern: over the past decade, successive governments have neglected the upkeep and maintenance of irrigation canals, severely impeding paddy cultivation. “Despite these challenges, the delegation expressed optimism regarding the Omar Abdullah government, noting the party’s long-standing reputation for its pro-people agenda and agrarian focus,” it said.
Sagar acknowledged their concerns, affirming that the Omar Abdullah-led government is actively tackling the issues that have escalated over the past ten years. However, he cautioned that meaningful change cannot be achieved overnight.
“Like many other sectors, agriculture has been largely ignored by the government. Sale and purchase centers for agricultural equipment and supplies were shut, irrigation canals were left in disrepair, and lift irrigation projects neglected. No measures were taken to expand irrigation facilities to more areas. But now, with a popular government under the leadership of Omar Sahib, every sector is receiving the attention it deserves,” he said.
The MLA said the National Conference has a rich history rooted in agrarian reforms. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to support our resilient farmers. We will continue to provide every possible assistance to ensure their success,” he asserted.
Sagar assured the delegations that both the government and the local MLAs are diligently addressing pressing public issues, including the dire state of irrigation canals. “With the enthusiastic support of our people, we are committed to restoring these vital waterways, ensuring that catchment areas receive sufficient water to bolster agricultural activities,” he said.
During the meeting, the NC leader engaged with the relevant officials via telephone to discuss the specific challenges faced by the delegation members.
Meanwhile, the Provincial President of the party’s Women’s Wing, Er Sabiya Qadri, convened a meeting with the functionaries of the District Srinagar Women’s Wing at the NC headquarters. She thoroughly reviewed the ongoing programs and initiatives spearheaded by the wing, while also providing essential directives to the office bearers.
