Ganderbal: Residents living along the Power Canal from Rayil to Kangan in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district have urged authorities to install safety fencing along the canal, saying the absence of protective measures has become a serious concern for people and livestock.
The canal, constructed in 1965 by the Power Development Corporation (PDC), passes through several populated areas, including Rayil, Gund, Fraw, Haknar, Sumbal, Kangan, Ganderbal, Thune, Mamar, Kaw Cherwan and adjoining villages.
According to local residents, several decades have passed since the canal was constructed, but fencing has not been installed along stretches, leaving people living nearby exposed to the deep water channel.
“Unfortunately, many of the promises made at the time remained limited to papers. Today, the canal has become a major safety concern for the people, particularly due to the lack of fencing,” a local Fayaz Ahmad said.
He said the canal has also claimed the lives of people and livestock over the years. They added that several youths were drowned in the canal during the past, raising concerns among families living along its banks.
Locals also recalled an incident in 2013 when the canal reportedly breached near Kullo Mohallah Gund, causing damage to residential houses and agricultural land.
They said the canal was originally associated with promises of benefits for the surrounding population, including electricity supply at concessional rates and employment opportunities for local youth after completion of the power project.
“Initially, electricity was supplied to nearby areas from the power house, but later the supply was discontinued. The canal has continued to pass through our villages, but without adequate safety measures,” residents said.
According to them, the canal has so far provided limited direct benefit to the local population, while its open and unfenced stretches continue to pose risks, particularly for children, youth and livestock.
Residents have appealed to the CM Omar Abdullah and MLA Kangan to conduct a safety assessment of the canal and install fencing at locations on priority.
They also urged the authorities to take preventive measures before another accident occurs and said proper fencing could help protect human lives as well as livestock in the adjoining areas.
