Sheeri, May 8 -- The historic Lift Irrigation Scheme at Sheeri, once considered a lifeline for thousands of kanals of agricultural land across Sheeri and adjoining villages including Fatehgarh, Heewan, Zogyar and Shaltang, has fallen into severe disrepair, with residents alleging negligence, poor execution of works and administrative apathy.

The scheme's sump, or jack well, meant to ensure uninterrupted irrigation supply, is currently filled with stagnant algae-covered water, silt and construction debris, raising concerns among local farmers ahead of the irrigation season.

Residents alleged that restoration and maintenance works carried out under officially sanctioned tenders were executed using substandard material and without adherenc...