Lidder Nallah in Pahalgam craves for attention

Srinagar, March 23: Lidder Nallah in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district is craving for government attention as it has become a place of silt with local residents demanding to restore its pristine glory.
Residents who reside near the nallah expressed serious concern over the deterioration of the once pristine water body and appealed to the government to save it.
Mohd Ashraf, a resident said once the water of the nallah was used for drinking purposes but today, it is craving for government attention and people throw waste in it at some places.
“The condition of the nallah is not good. We all are demanding for its restoration. At many places, people throw waste openly in it which has polluted its water,” he said.
Locals said that although people have been fined for violations, people are not taking it seriously and continue to pollute it.
Ishfaq Ahamd, another local said at many places the nallah has become a site for cleaning vehicles which is also a reason why its water has been polluted and people no longer use the water for drinking purposes.
“When silt and the waste goes into the water body it affects aquatic life. Had there been no pollution the fish would have survived in the water body,” he said.
The resident said that the government should wake up and realize the importance of the water body and take immediate steps to restore its pristine glory.
“Some outlets of hotels in Pahalgam are unhygienic and they do not follow proper procedures,” he said
He said building of various recreational parks on its banks and water sports activities will attract tourists and force stakeholders to maintain and keep it safe and clean.
“The locals said Pahalgam is a treasure of natural heritage that offers wonderful expeditions to its thick glaciers, gushing Nallahs, pine trees, evergreen forests and vast meadows. We need to save it from further deterioration,” he said.
The melodious flow of Lidder Nallah attracts tourists not only from within the country but also from abroad as well.
Chief Executive Officer, Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA), Syed Sajad said there is a solid waste management plant which covers all hotels and residential houses.
“We have a functional sewage treatment plant here. Sometimes hoteliers violate norms but those have been fined. Our staff are maintaining a close vigil on any violations,” he said.
“This is an ecologically fragile area and we are both cautious and conscious. Even if anyone is found disposing of waste in the water body we take strict action. By and large there are very few such instances where this happens” he said.