Shopian, Jul 14: Farmers in the Moshwara Keller area of Shopian – south Kashmir’s fruit belt – are grappling with a deepening crisis: a defunct irrigation scheme, once envisioned as a lifeline for hundreds of kanals of apple orchards, has remained non-functional for over 15 years, exposing growers to harsh weather and threatening their livelihoods.
Locals said the scheme started in 2007 with much fanfare, the irrigation project was meant to transform local horticulture.
They said that infrastructure, including a dedicated building, pipelines, and water-lifting machinery, was installed, with a total expenditure estimated at around Rs 3 crore, but the scheme barely operated for a day before it was abandoned.
“They turned it on once, then locked the doors and walked away,” said Abdul Rashid, a distressed orchardist. “Since then, it has been a monument of neglect.”
Residents said the drying orchards, particularly during this year’s prolonged dry spell and intense heatwave, are proof of the damage caused by official apathy. “Our trees are wilting. We were promised a permanent irrigation system, but all we got was rusting pipes and false assurances,” said Ghulam Mohammad, another local farmer. “Every rupee spent on this scheme has gone to waste.”
Following the scheme’s failure, authorities had proposed constructing a dam in the vicinity to provide a consistent water source. But locals say that plan never moved beyond the drawing board. “We heard about the dam proposal years ago, but nothing was done on the ground. No survey, no work, not even a stone laid,” said Javaid Ahmad, another resident.
With rising temperatures and water scarcity pushing their orchards to the brink, the locals are now demanding a time-bound probe into what they term a “development scam”.
“This is not just inefficiency—this is betrayal,” said another resident. “We demand a high-level investigation. Someone must be held accountable for letting this vital project rot.”
The farmers have urged the government to revive the irrigation scheme immediately, fearing a major economic setback if the orchards are lost this season. “Our livelihood depends on apples. If we lose this crop, our year is finished. The government must act now, not tomorrow, not next season,” they said.
They have sought immediate attention from Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, MLA Shopian, and other higher-ups in this regard. (KNO)
Defunct irrigation scheme hits Shopian apple growers
