Budgam Residents Protest Against Flood Control Department Over Waterlogging in Agricultural Lands
Budgam, Feb 12, KNT: Residents of Dharmunna in central Kashmir’s Budgam district staged a protest on Tuesday against the Flood Control Department, Narbal, after water from Hokarsar Wetland overflowed into their agricultural lands, rendering them unusable.
The aggrieved residents, holding placards and shouting slogans, demanded the immediate closure of the Hokarsar Gate, blaming the department for releasing excess water that has submerged their farmlands, affecting thousands of kanals of agricultural land.
“Our fields are completely inundated, leaving us unable to grow crops or even graze our cattle. The water has turned our fertile land into a wasteland. We are on the verge of losing our livelihoods,” a protester told the news agency Kashmir News Trust.
Farmers fear long-term damage to their crops and soil fertility, adding that they are now facing an economic crisis due to the loss of their only source of income. “The authorities must act swiftly before the situation worsens. If the Hokarsar Gate is not closed, our agricultural land will become permanently damaged,” another resident stated.
The protestors urged the administration to intervene immediately and take corrective measures to prevent further damage. They warned of intensifying their agitation if their demands were not met.
Local officials acknowledged the issue and assured that necessary steps would be taken to address the concerns.[KNT]
