Khemkaran: Irrigation a major challenge

Gurbaxpuri

DUE to the prolonged neglect of the canal system, the main problem of farmers of this border constituency is irrigation.

The area is known as Khara Majha due to its brackish groundwater which is not fit for irrigation or drinking purposes, but farmers are forced to use it for their crops.

Arsal Singh Sandhu, a resident of Assal village, said water had not been supplied via canals to around 40 tail-end villages for over 20 years.

Farm leader Daljit Singh said due to the non-supply of water, the old canal system had been rendered useless.

Surjit Singh Bhura said residents were forced to use the salty groundwater for even domestic purposes. He said the remodelling of the Upper Bari Doab Canal system did not bear any fruit.