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 administration for 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. Ground-level field officers cite the absence of direction from higher authorities as a major bottleneck.
Despite the deepening crisis, the government has yet to announce any major emergency response or restructuring within the department.
Experts warn that without immediate intervention, the water crisis could severely dent Kharif season yields, impacting the food security and livelihoods of thousands of farming households.
As the situation worsens, pressure is mounting on the administration to fill critical vacancies, restore key infrastructure, and activate emergency irrigation mechanisms before the damage becomes irreversible.
