Soil erosion in catchment area of Markanda river: Farmers

Cultivable land in catchment area of the river Markanda has come under soil erosion when the river in spate changed its course at village Nurhad under Mllana block in the district. The recurrent flooding of Markanda starting from heavy rains on July 25,farmers suffered great losses after their crops were flooded in water and perished. The residents of the village stated that during July 25 floods,they lost their crops but flooding of Markanda on August 19,their costly lands were washed away due to land erosion. Their fields have wiped off the map and have been converted into desert not worth cultivation in future. Village sarpanch Ranbir Singh said more than 50 acres of land came under soil erosion. He said that due to erosion a layer of 2-3 feet sand had developed and had made the land infertile. He said that over a dozen land owners had been affected. The affected farmers stated that the river Markanda carried record rain water during this season and perished crops in its catchment areas in more than a dozen villages. They demanded that de compensation should be given to them. Ilaqa Naib Tehsildar D D Sharma who was told of the extensive loss due to soil erosion said the survey had been ordered and quantum of loss would be assessed on receiving report from the field staff. Reports of erosion of land in catchment areas of river Tangri and Begna Nadi have been received where the affected farmers have complained of crop damage and have demanded compensation.