Unregulated waste hits water canals in Budgam’s Khag area

Srinagar, July 20: The residents of Khag in central Kashmir’s Budgam district are up in arms against throwing of waste in water canals appealing the Rural Development Department to clean the canals in the area as the waste has affected the pristine water bodies.
Residents of Khag areas said the government’s cleanliness schemes have failed to make any impact on the ground, leaving the local community to suffer in the absence of proper sanitation mechanisms.
Nisar Ahmad, a resident of Khag said that the water kanals which were once pristine for their freshwater have been badly affected due to the throwing of waste, plastic and polythene.
“There are many water canals which are now full of garbage and silt which is posing a significant threat to the springs, the water of which is also used for irrigation of crop fields,” he said.
The resident said when there are heavy rains the plastic and polythene waste makes way to agriculture fields including paddy which has caused damage to the fertile soil over the years.
“Our children are also at risk of water borne diseases since the water is also used for drinking and bathing purposes. Many children were found ill and they were hospitalized,” he said.
As per the residents, they took up the matter with the concerned authorities but despite their pleas the issue was not resolved leaving them to suffer and adding to their plight.
Ghulam Rasool, another resident said the accumulation of waste and polythene at the water canals has also caused filthy smell which has also invited stray dogs.
“Today, we are unable to use the water for drinking purposes. If anyone by chance takes the water it causes allergies and skin infections if used for bathing purposes,” he said.
“Owing to the unregulated pollution and government neglect, the water bodies have lost its significance. I often pass over the canals and it has become a garbage site at many places and people also throw liquid waste into it,” he said.
He said the water canals need the immediate attention of the concerned authorities as plastic waste and pollutants are threatening the existence of these canals.
The resident also said the waste not only pollutes water but also gives a shabby look to the water canals. “It is a matter of great concern for us as it is a source of drinking water for people and is the abode of various species,” he said.
Village Level Worker, Khag Block, Syed Mansoor said they have been organizing sanitation drives, holding awareness programs and ensuring segregation of waste.
“We are also giving vermicompost pits and dust bins to the people. We request people to cooperate with us. They should not throw the waste openly at the water bodies or canals so that the water resources are not affected,” he said. He said they are organizing different activities under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and they aim to save these water canals.
The VLW said he has observed that people are habitual of throwing waste in grasslands and open land and they have been sensitizing people about the same.
An official of Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board said these water bodies are the lifeline and heritage of Kashmir and they have been taking many measures to save them.
“At many places the pristine springs have been affected. Urban Local Bodies, Municipal Committees/Councils in districts are some of the agencies that are doing their job,” he said adding that people also have to take social responsibility and help the department.