Villagers of Hiller, Hardpora, and Surrounding Areas Demand Water Reservoir for Irrigation Management in Anantnag

Sameer Ahmad

Anantnag: Residents of several villages in the Anantnag district of south Kashmir, including Hiller, Hardpora, Mohripora, Akingam, Badasgam, Dehruna, Hakura, Koshipora, and Damhal, have come together to demand the construction of a water reservoir at Hiller on Brengi stream, one of the tributaries of river Jhelum. The proposed reservoir aims to address the growing challenges of irrigation water management in the lower Brengi sub- region, which is primarily agrarian.

These villages rely heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods. However, inconsistent water supply and poor irrigation infrastructure have led to significant difficulties for farmers. The lack of a proper water storage system has resulted in water scarcity during critical farming seasons, affecting crop yields and the overall economy of the area.

The villagers have been advocating for the construction of a water reservoir at Hiller to ensure a steady and reliable supply of irrigation water. The reservoir would not only help in storing water during the rainy season but also ensure its availability during dry spells, thereby improving agricultural productivity.

Mohammad Shafi, a farmer from Hiller while talking to Arising State said that We have been facing water shortages for years. Our crops suffer, and our income is affected. A water reservoir at Hiller would be a game-changer for us. It would ensure that we have enough water for irrigation throughout the year.”

Bashir Ahmad, another resident said that The government must listen to our demands. We are not asking for anything extravagant—just a basic facility that will help us sustain our livelihoods. A reservoir will benefit not just one village but the entire area. Women in our village spend hours fetching water for our fields. If a reservoir is built, it will ease our burden and allow us to focus on other productive activities. Water is life, and we need it to survive.”*

Our fields are drying up, and our crops are failing. We need a permanent solution, and a water reservoir is the answer. The government should prioritize this project for the sake of our future generations.” said Ghulam Hassan, a farmer from Akingam.

The reservoir would have the capacity to store sufficient water to meet the irrigation needs of the surrounding villages, he said.

The villagers have urged the local administration and the Jammu & Kashmir government to take immediate steps to address their demand. They have also sought the support of local representatives and environmental experts to ensure that the project is implemented sustainably, without harming the ecosystem.

The construction of a water reservoir at Hiller is not just a demand but a necessity for the survival and prosperity of the villagers in Anantnag. It is hoped that the authorities will take swift action to fulfill this long-standing demand and bring relief to the farming community.