*DDC seeks intervention of DC, CM
Excelsior Correspondent
SUCHETGARH, Feb 14: The residents of Gharana, Partapkot, and Basti Gulabgarh staged a strong protest today against the Wildlife Department over the construction of a deep drain (Nallah) in the area, which they claim is severely affecting their agricultural land.
The protest was organized under the leadership of Taranjit Singh Tony, senior Congress leader and DDC Suchetgarh.
Speaking to media persons, the senior Congress leader stated that the issue had previously been raised with the Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, who had directed the construction of a small ditch to facilitate the free flow of waste water. However, the Wildlife Department is now constructing a much larger drain, which is obstructing the natural flow of water. This obstruction is leading to water accumulation in fields, causing severe damage to crops and posing a serious threat to the livelihood of local farmers, he said.
Tony highlighted that the problem is further aggravated due to a Bandh (embankment) created by Pakistan’s Border Action Team, which is blocking the smooth discharge of water. Despite multiple representations to the authorities, no concrete action has been taken to address the concerns of the farmers.
“If the construction continues as planned, it will devastate the farmers who rely entirely on agriculture for their survival. We urge the concerned department to either divert the Nallah towards the Aik Nallah, which is adjacent to the site, or find an alternative solution that does not impact our irrigation land,” Tony asserted.
Following the protest, Tony submitted a memorandum of demands to the SDM RS Pura through Tehsildar Chander Shekhar, as the SDM was not present at the time.
He also criticized the Wildlife Department for neglecting the hardships faced by the people of Gharana due to migratory birds destroying the fields of local farmers, without providing any compensation.
Cong leader asked the Wildlife authorities to respect the decision of the DC, Jammu who had given instructions for constructing a small Nallah to channel the village’s waste water. He appealed to the SDM RS Pura to uphold the mutually agreed-upon decision taken in the presence of DC Jammu.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
