Anantnag : National highway authorities irk farmers, demand horizontal concrete pipes to allow easy and continuous water flow

Sameer Ahmad

Anantnag: Ahead of sowing paddy here in Anantnag district farmers from various villages in Anantnag district are currently voicing their discontent with NHA 244. They are urging the District administration and the National Highway authorities to install concrete pipes in their paddy fields. This request aims to facilitate the process of sowing paddy in Anantnag villages.

According to villagers from Bonadialgam, Kamad, Chechripora, Dabruna, and other nearby villages, the ongoing construction of National Highway 244 from Alstop Mirbazar to Donipawa in Anantnag district has significantly affected their agricultural land. In their conversation  with Arising State, they expressed that the ongoing work on the highway has left them in a difficult situation, as their paddy fields have become dry and barren due to the construction activities.

Habeebullah Bhat, a resident of Bonadialgam, emphasized the need for urgent action from the concerned authorities regarding National Highway 244. He stressed the importance of issuing immediate orders for the installation of concrete pipes along the agricultural sites of the highway. These pipes would facilitate the uninterrupted horizontal flow of water, ensuring the preservation of the natural water capillary mechanism in the fields. Habeebullah Bhat expressed that this development should prioritize both the interests of the farmers and the preservation of the environment. He further mentioned that despite their repeated requests to the national highway authorities, their appeals have so far been unsuccessful.

Another resident echoed the concerns regarding the National Highway Authority’s delay in laying concrete water pipes along National Highway 244. The villagers are growing increasingly worried about the situation. They are earnestly pleading with the administration to initiate the installation of concrete water pipes as soon as possible. Their primary objective is to ensure a smooth and hassle-free paddy sowing process this year.

Meanwhile talking to  Arising State, RN Sharma, the General Manager of the National Highway Authorities, provided reassurance on the situation. He stated that concrete water pipes would be installed within the next 15 days along National Highway 244, specifically from Alstop to Donipawa in Anantnag. Sharma mentioned that out of the total 51 required concrete water pipes, 11 have already been laid down, and the remaining pipes will be installed within the specified timeframe. Sharma further assured the farmers that there is no need to worry and that their grievances will be resolved promptly.