Bandipora, June 15 -- A severe water shortage has hit several villages in North Kashmir's Bandipora district, with farmers reporting that paddy fields are running dry due to the continued blockage of irrigation canals. Locals allege inaction by the concerned authorities despite repeated appeals over the past year.

Villagers from Gamroo, Gundpora, Aragam, Garoora, Chitteybandy, Vijhara, Lowdara, and nearby areas said that the main irrigation canals in the region has been clogged by solid waste and encroachments, severely affecting agricultural activities.

"The canal in Gamroo village has not been cleaned for a long time. Garbage continues to be dumped into it, and its banks have been encroached upon at several locations," said one of the...