Pulwama, Feb 06: Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Basharat Qayoom, announced on Thursday that irrigation and related works have been prioritised under MGNREGA to maximize surface water utilization in the southern district.
Speaking to the media outside Town Hall Pulwama after presiding over a review-cum-grievance redressal meeting, he acknowledged deficient precipitation witnessed across Jammu and Kashmir this winter. “The deficit is not confined to Pulwama alone,” he said, adding that the administration is taking proactive measures to ensure adequate water availability for irrigation.
He said to respond to the deficit, the administration has formulated a comprehensive plan for rainwater harvesting.
” Need-based dredging and repair of major irrigation channels have been outlined in the district plan,” he said, adding that irrigation and related works under MGNREGA have been prioritised this season to ensure optimal use of surface water for agriculture.
Executive Engineer, Irrigation Division Pulwama, Nazir Ahmad Bhat, stated that the department is prepared to supply irrigation water to farmers by April 2025.
He added that measures are being taken to ensure the seamless operation of lift irrigation schemes at Lelhara, Patalbagh, and Kakapora, even if the water level in the Jhelum River drops.
Lelhara, Kakapora, Patalbagh, and adjoining villages are among the key paddy-growing areas in Pulwama. However, farmers in these regions often face irrigation challenges when water levels decline during the peak months of the paddy season.
The Irrigation Division caters to 21,000 hectares of agricultural land in Pulwama through a network of 50 schemes, including 28 gravity schemes and 22 lift irrigation schemes.
“Minor repairment of irrigation canals under PRI is underway at 25 sites, with approximately 90% of the work already completed,” officials said.
