MLA Sajjad Shaheen launches irrigation & flood protection projects in Banihal

Srinagar, Dec 28: Reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the rural and agrarian economy, National Conference leader and MLA Banihal Sajjad Shaheen laid the foundation stone for a series of irrigation and flood protection works across different parts of the Banihal–Gool Assembly constituency.

The projects include the construction of a 1.2 km long Bankoot irrigation kool at an estimated cost of Rs 12 lakh, along with flood protection works at Darpora, Malwath and Naikpora, being executed at a combined cost of Rs 35 lakh. These works will also cover areas along Bankoot Nallah, Darpora, Malati, Naikpora and Chanjloo, which frequently face flood-related challenges, said a press release.

The initiatives are aimed at safeguarding fertile agricultural land from recurrent floods, improving irrigation efficiency, and ensuring reliable water availability for farming activities. Once completed, the projects are expected to provide substantial relief to hundreds of farming families whose livelihoods largely depend on agriculture, it said.

Sajjad Shaheen emphasised that protecting farmers and strengthening rural infrastructure remain top priorities of his development agenda. “Agriculture sustains our rural economy. By improving irrigation facilities and protecting farmlands from flood damage, we are working to secure farmers’ livelihoods and boost agricultural productivity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Shaheen expressed grave concern over incidents of harassment of Kashmiris reported from different parts of the country, terming them “inhuman and unacceptable.”