Zero-line farmers face water scarcity

Jammu, July 13: General secretary of J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) and DDC member Suchetgarh Taranjit Singh Tony has called for urgent action to address the severe power scarcity affecting farmers along the Zero-line due to damaged power infrastructure.

Leading a deputation of Border Kissan Forum, comprising hundreds of farmers from Gharana, Suchetgarh, Sai, Gharani, Vidhipur Jattan, Meghowal, Chakroi and other Zero-line villages, Tony met Vikas Kundal, Managing Director of JPDCL, to discuss the critical issue.

Ashok Chibber, Executive Engineer, who had recently visited the Zero-line BOP Chhawani in Sae was also present.

Tony highlighted the dire situation faced by these farmers due to the damage of over 150 poles and several power transformers in the Zero Line border villages. This extensive damage led to a significant disruption in the power supply, exacerbating water scarcity in the region, he added.

Senior Congress leader emphasized the urgent need for the replacement of these damaged power transformers to restore electricity and ensure an adequate water supply for agricultural activities.

“The farmers of the Zero-line villages are facing immense hardships due to the ongoing water scarcity. The damaged power infrastructure has further aggravated the situation, making it difficult for them to irrigate their fields. It is imperative that the damaged transformers and poles are replaced on a priority basis to alleviate their suffering,” he said.

During the meeting, Tony apprised the Managing Director Vikas Kundal of the ground realities faced by the farmers. He requested expedited action to replace the damaged power infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of a reliable electricity supply for agricultural activities and the overall well-being of the farming community.

The Managing Director assured the deputation of prompt action to address their concerns on priority basis in the affected areas. He directed the concerned departments to expedite and complete the pending works of poles and transformers to ensure a steady power supply. He also sought the cooperation of the DDC member to initiate a drive for electricity connections in the month of September.

Tony hoped that the necessary steps would be taken without delay to mitigate the hardships of the farming community and assured all possible support to the Managing Director for the upcoming drive.

The deputation comprised former Sarpanch Sham Lal Bhagat, former Sarpanch Sarabjit Singh, former Panch Balwinder Choudhary, Choudhary Bihari Lal, former Panch Madan Lal, former Panch Joginder Singh, former Panch Rajinder Kumar, Bawa Choudhary, Ramesh Choudhary besides several other farmers.