Early Times Report
Anantnag, July 27: Surprising one and all, Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Bashir Ahmad Khan Monday kickstarted drive to destroy 'Bhung' in the vicinity of Bijbehara where it is being cultivated.
Anantnag tehsildar Ghulam Rasool Bhat, Officials from excise and police department accompanied Khan who himself visited Dupthiyar village of Bijbehara and monitored the drive.
"Today we managed to clear 20 kanals of land which was under bhung cultivation," the deputy commissioner said.
He expressed satisfaction over the response of locals as well as of those who are cultivating bhung in their orchards. "People of village Duptayar cooperated with us. None showed resentment against the drive. So we are hopeful that in coming days we will destroy the entire cultivated crop," he said.
He said that a team of 20 people along with 12 brush cutters provided by the excise department carried out the drive in the village. "we have cleared about 20 kanals of land of bhung," he added.
Khan said that six brush cutters will be given to the team tomorrow and drive will be intensified. "Apart from the drive, counseling sessions for senior citizens and youth are also required," he pointed out.
He said that he also visited Nambal area of Mattan where people assured that they will voluntarily destroy the crop. "Many people including females came out and sought a day for destroying the crop. Most importantly a youth Bablu Singh took the responsibility which enthralled me," he said. Pertinently, a major chunk of land both agriculture and horticulture is under bhung cultivation in Kradigam, Dupatyar, Ghantalipora,Thajiwara, Takiabal, Kandipora, Upsan, Kanilwan, Laribal, Hayar, Waghama, Satkipora, Kanelwan, Semthan, Veeri, Naboog Sallar, Kullar, Srigufwara, Wachi, Kawun, Bandina, Dangripora and Tulkhun. However, locals say that due to awareness by the religious and social organizations Bhung cultivation is witnessing steep decrease. |
