A delegation of villagers from Kako Shilikchay called on the Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, on April 10 to apprise him of issues concerning damage to their irrigation canal (kul).

The delegation informed that the canal, located adjacent to the river and the National Highway, has been damaged due to the ongoing construction of a bridge and the widening of the highway. They highlighted that the disruption has adversely affected irrigation, particularly during the ongoing farming season, and urged immediate intervention to ensure temporary water supply arrangements.

Taking prompt cognisance of the matter, the Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor directed the Executive Engineer, R&B, to restore water supply through a bypass from Baltibazar within one week as a temporary relief measure.

Dr. Akhoon further instructed officials of the Revenue Department to take up the matter with the Assistant Commissioner Revenue (ACR), Kargil, and ensure that the related dispute is resolved within a week.

He also directed the BRO/GREF authorities to immediately clear boulders and debris deposited downstream in the canal to facilitate the smooth flow of water.

Additionally, the Chief Executive Councillor instructed the Executive Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control, to conduct a detailed assessment of the damaged canal and prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for debris removal and necessary minor restoration works.

The meeting was attended by Councillor Town Haji Abass; Executive Engineer, R&B; Executive Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control; the Naib Tehsildar from the Revenue Department; officials from GREF/BRO; and other concerned officers, along with members of the delegation.

Dr. Akhoon assured the delegation that all necessary measures would be taken on priority to address the issue and safeguard the agricultural interests of the villagers.