Non-fenced power canals in Ganderbal turn into death traps

Ganderbal, Jun 15: Major power canals traversing several areas of Ganderbal district have virtually turned into death traps due to the absence of fencing and other safety measures, prompting residents to demand immediate intervention from the authorities.

The canals feeding the Upper Sindh Hydroelectric Project (USHP) Stage-I at Sumbal and USHP Stage-II at Kangan pass through densely populated areas from Kullan to Kangan. Despite posing a potential threat to human life and property, large stretches of these canals remain unfenced and unprotected. Several other canals supplying water to hydropower projects in the district are also reportedly lacking adequate safety infrastructure.

Residents allege that the canals have claimed numerous lives and livestock since their establishment decades ago. They said the absence of fencing and damaged canal banks continue to expose thousands of people living nearby to constant danger.

“Despite the passage of decades, no one has bothered to install proper fencing along these canals. Many people have lost their lives, while livestock and property have also suffered damage,” residents said.

The concerns have resurfaced following Monday’s incident in Gund, where two persons—a man and a teenage girl—reportedly drowned in a power canal. Their bodies were later recovered after an extensive rescue operation.

Locals said many of the bodies recovered from the canals over the years were victims of accidental falls, while some cases involved alleged suicides. They argue that several such incidents could have been prevented had adequate safety barriers been installed.

“Many human lives have been lost after people accidentally slipped into the canals. In numerous cases, proper fencing could have prevented the tragedy,” said Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din, a resident of the area.

Residents accused the authorities, particularly the Power Development Corporation (PDC), of failing to address long-standing safety concerns despite repeated incidents.

According to local sources, when the USHP-I and USHP-II canals were constructed in the 1970s, safety arrangements such as guard quarters, watchers and lighting systems had been put in place. However, these measures gradually disappeared over the years.

“For more than two decades, neither watchers nor functioning lights have been seen along the canals, making them even more hazardous, especially during the night,” sources said.

Residents also recalled previous incidents involving breaches in the canal system. In March 2013, a section of the USHP-I canal reportedly breached following a landslide in the Gund area, causing damage to houses and agricultural land. A similar incident occurred on the Wanagth link canal near Panzin several years ago, resulting in significant property losses.

“We live under constant fear. Even light rainfall causes anxiety because landslides can block the canal and lead to breaches,” said Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Gund.

Locals further highlighted the plight of animals that accidentally fall into the canals. They said livestock often become trapped on the smooth concrete walls, unable to climb out. During shutdown periods, trapped animals may starve, while in flowing water they often drown.

The residents have urged the administration and concerned departments to undertake comprehensive fencing of the canals, repair damaged embankments and restore safety mechanisms to prevent further loss of life and property.