Thousands of Acres of Farmland in Budgam Face Water Crisis, Farmers Blame Jal Jeevan Mission Scheme

In Basantwudar village, Budgam, a once-thriving stream that sustained hundreds of villages has been reduced to a trickle. Years ago, pipelines installed under the Jal Jeevan Mission drastically diminished its flow, leaving farmers struggling with water shortages. Now, new pipelines are being laid, triggering fresh concerns among villagers across hundreds of Budgam villages, who fear losing their fertile lands. This is a story of resilience—of a community battling to protect its lifeline as policies shift and water resources dwindle. For them, the fight is not just about water; it’s about survival.