Srinagar, June 25: As Kashmir reels under what experts describe as the worst irrigation crisis in a century, PDP leader Waheed-ur-Rehman Para has sharply criticized the Jammu and Kashmir government for what he said failing to respond to the unfolding agricultural emergency.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Para questioned why crucial positions in the Irrigation Department, including that of Chief Engineer Kashmir, other Chief Engineers (CEs), and Executive Engineers (XENs), continue to remain vacant even as large parts of the Valley face dry canals, failed pumping stations, and defunct irrigation schemes.
“The Irrigation Department is paralyzed. Why are key posts like Chief Engineer Kashmir, CEs, and XENs still vacant? Why can’t Hon’ble CM @OmarAbdullah fill this vacuum that’s fueling the disaster?” Para posted, tagging both the Chief Minister’s handle and the official handle of the J&K government. “Why sit on files while a crisis looms overhead?” he added.
Farmers across multiple districts, especially in south and central Kashmir, have reported failing paddy fields due to lack of water. Many irrigation canals are running dry, and several lift irrigation and tube well schemes are lying defunct due to poor maintenance and staff shortage.
