Encroachments choke irrigation canal in Budgam

By Arif Rashid
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09 Apr 2026

Srinagar, Apr 07: Farmers from Magam and Pattan tehsils have urged the Irrigation and Revenue Departments in Budgam to restore the historic Humari Kaul irrigation canal, alleging that widespread encroachments along its course have severely disrupted water supply to agricultural lands.

The canal, which runs from Police Station Magam to the main road near Big Restaurant in Magam, serves as a vital irrigation source for thousands of kanals of farmland across several villages in both Budgam and Baramulla districts.

Local farmers said that illegal encroachments at multiple points have reduced the canal’s water-carrying capacity, leading to acute shortages, particularly during the summer months.

“Due to the encroachment of the stream, we are facing a severe shortage of irrigation water, which is affecting and delaying agricultural activities,” they said.

The Humari Kaul has two main branches. One branch irrigates agricultural fields in Agrikalan, Dangerpora, Nooripora and Archanderhama villages in Pattan tehsil of Baramulla district. The other branch supplies water to Batapora, Kanihama and Mazhama villages in Magam tehsil of Budgam district.

Farmers said the canal is the sole irrigation source for nearly 3,000 kanals of agricultural land. “If this canal is not restored to its original condition, farming activities will be badly affected this season, putting our livelihoods at risk,” they added.

They further noted that the canal’s water level capacity has significantly declined over the past five years due to continued encroachments.

The farmers appealed the district administration Budgam and Irrigation Department Kashmir to take action, especially as the agricultural season is set to begin in May.

However, an official from Beerwah Tehsil acknowledged the issue, stating that the canal falls under the jurisdiction of Revenue Department Beerwah.

“We have already carried out an anti-encroachment drive and demolition along parts of the canal. Further, action will be taken to ensure the canal is restored to its original position,” the official said.

He assured that additional anti-encroachment measures will be undertaken to facilitate the smooth flow of irrigation water and support farmers during the crucial farming season.