Srinagar, July 1: Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party (SBSP) State President Vivek Bali has raised serious concerns over the worsening irrigation infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, calling it a “grim reality” that threatens the livelihoods of thousands of farmers across the region.
In a strongly worded statement to the media, Bali expressed his deep disappointment with the district administration and sitting elected representatives—particularly singling out the National Conference (NC) leadership—for what he described as gross negligence. He accused them of failing to address the urgent grievances of the farming community, now facing widespread crop failure.
“The rice fields are bone dry, paddy saplings are wilting, and the livelihoods of lakhs of farmers are hanging by a thread,” said Bali. “Despite being in power, the local NC leadership has failed to ensure the most basic lifeline for the people—access to water for irrigation.”
Bali revealed that he has received a flood of distress calls from farmers across the Union Territory, with many areas teetering on the edge of drought. “It is heartbreaking to witness hundreds of kanals of fertile land turning barren. The fear of crop failure is growing, and with it, the fear of financial devastation for countless families,” he added.
He strongly criticized the inaction of elected representatives. “It is evident that the ruling MLAs are either unwilling or incapable of addressing this crisis. Their silence and negligence are unacceptable,” he asserted.
Calling on both the Central Government and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, Bali urged swift and decisive action. “Water must be restored to the fields without delay so that our farmers can breathe a sigh of relief. Immediate steps must be taken to repair lift irrigation schemes, clear encroachments, and revive dried-up canals. This is not just a technical issue—it is a humanitarian one,” he emphasized.
Bali concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the farming community: “The people of Bandipora and the entire region deserve accountable and responsive leadership. We will continue to raise our voice until justice is delivered to our farmers.”
His remarks have reignited public attention on the deepening agricultural distress in Jammu and Kashmir, as fears of an impending drought weigh heavily on the region’s farming community.
