Century-Old Canals Decay, Devastating Farmland

An irrigation network, originally constructed in the 1930s by local farmers in the Upper Bara region, has suffered severe decay due to a prolonged lack of maintenance. The system, which utilized the Bara River as its primary water source and was built on self-help principles, has been critically damaged by nearly a decade of community displacement between 2012 and 2022. This absence was a direct result of militancy and subsequent military operations in the area.

These neglected and decaying canals, some of which were constructed using traditional methods involving sliced logs, have led to significant agricultural losses. Floods in the Bara River have further exacerbated the damage by washing away substantial portions of the channels. Consequently, the region's capacity to produce high-quality rice, pomegranates, grapes, and other fruits and vegetables has dramatically diminished. Many orchards that were once known for their produce have vanished as fruit trees have dried up due to the lack of irrigation water during the displacement period.

Currently, vast fertile lands are becoming barren, and nearly 80% of the local population, who depend on agriculture, are facing severe financial problems. Despite a visit by the provincial irrigation department and NGO members in 2022, no concrete steps have been taken to repair the damaged system. Farmers warn that without timely intervention, more arable land will be lost, leading to further economic hardship.