Baramulla, Feb 02: Domestic waste, plastic, garbage piles, and toxic construction debris litter banks of Nalla Ningli in Kandi Baramulla, once known for its clear waters, as authorities have failed to take measures to save the stream.
The famous water stream originates from Affarwat Mountain in Gulmarg, flows through villages: Nilsar, Nagbal, Dandmoh, Bandi Payeen, Kalantra, Wagoora and joins Jhelum River in Sopore.
People who depend on the stream in the area have expressed their resentment about its deteriorating condition and said without proper waste management, this vital water source faces severe pollution and endangers local communities.
Mudasir Ahmad, a local resident said due lack of garbage collection villagers have resorted to dumping their household and commercial waste directly into the stream.
“For decades, Ningli Nalla has been a source of drinking water, livelihood, and recreation for the local communities but now it has become a garbage dumping site,” he said.
All the villages near the banks of the water stream lack proper garbage disposal mechanisms with residents alleging that the government has failed to protect the prime water stream.
“If the government provides us with an alternative, we will not throw waste into Nalla. But right now, we have no choice,” residents said.
Absence of proper waste management facilities in these areas has led to a severe environmental crisis. Without garbage collection points or waste processing units, villagers have resorted to dumping their waste directly into the stream.
“What was once a clean, flowing stream is now littered with plastic bags, food wrappers, glass bottles and even construction debris,” a resident of Kalantra Bala adding that its water was once pristine, but is now contaminated with pollutants.
Local villagers fear continued pollution will lead to waterborne diseases, as seen in the past, and are urging government intervention.
Moreover, the waste dumped into the stream at Fish Farm Kalantra, Kachwamuqam, Wagila, Mongam and other places eventually flows into the Jhelum River, spreading pollution downstream and affecting a larger population.
The residents criticized the Rural Development Department and its officers for failing to monitor the situation alleging the department has never taken note of the issue despite informing them.
“We informed the RDD many times but they did nothing. If it is their domain then why do not they visit the area and take action against people,” they said.
However, Block Development Officer, Wagoora, Jahangir Ahmad told Rising Kashmir that they have taken up this issue with Tehsildar, Wagoora.
“However, he has not designated any site so far. The process is ongoing. Let’s see what he writes to us and we will proceed accordingly,” the BDO said.
The residents appealed to the Secretary, Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj, J&K, Director General, Rural Sanitation, J&K and Deputy Commissioner Baramulla to send a team of officers to the area, take ground report, and plan a policy for it.
A senior doctor at nearby PHC Kalantra said the most immediate step is prevention of further contamination.
“People should coordinate with the Health Department and concerned stakeholders to prevent further littering and contamination of waters or its banks,” he said.
The doctor also highlighted the health risks associated with the polluted Ningli water, including Typhoid, Amoebiasis, Hepatitis A and Scabies.
