Srinagar, June 19: Once considered a lifeline, several water streams in Kashmir are losing their sheen due to unregulated, illegal activities and pollution in nearby areas.
Anchar Lake in Srinagar is one such example. The lake was once a beautiful tourist attraction but over the past many years it has turned into a polluted wasteland. Located in Soura, the vital water body has been affected due to environmental degradation.
The lake has suffered from severe pollution, increased alkalinity, and excessive weed growth, making it nearly impossible to navigate.
“Owing to the unregulated pollution and government neglect, the water body has now lost its significance. I often pass over the water body and it has become a garbage site at many places and people also put liquid waste into it,” said Ajaz Ahmad, a resident.
He also said that they have witnessed a decline in the water quality due to several reasons majorly being increase in pollution, raw sewage, solid waste, agricultural waste etc.
Many areas in Zainapora Shopian have been facing water scarcity over the years owing to the decline of water springs that were used for drinking and agriculture purposes as well.
Irshad Ahmad, from Shopian said despite the availability of many springs in the area they still struggle with inadequate drinking water facilities.
“The Zainapora area was once famous for its water bodies. There are many water supply schemes that are solely connected with pipes through these springs. These springs need to be cleaned properly,” the resident said.
“The water is declining day by day. The springs have been polluted by illegal activities and the polythene and waste is openly thrown in these springs,” he said.
He said the springs need the immediate attention of the concerned authorities as plastic waste and pollutants are threatening the existence of these springs.
In Ganderbal district also illegal extraction of sand, bajri and boulders in River Sindh has affected flora and fauna. Residents said the activities have also affected the water quality.
“There should be a proper mechanism to check the illegal activities that have hit the pristine glory of the river. Local committees should be formed to save the water body. When waste enters the land it also degrades fertile soil. During rains the waste enters the agriculture fields when water channels are flooded,” said Ishfaq Ahmad, from Ganderbal.
In Baramulla also, tributaries of Ferozpora Nallah that flow in Pattan and Kunzer areas are a source of drinking and irrigation for fields for thousands of people.
However, over the years the tributaries have been encroached at many places and domestic waste is openly thrown in the canals which has raised huge public outcry.
Mohd Shaban from Pattan expressed concern over pollution of the tributaries and said that there is no mechanism of waste management in villages.
“All waste is thrown openly in the irrigation canal which has become a cause of pollution. The plastic is a huge menace because it keeps adding to the waste which mostly lands up in landfills and near agriculture fields across villages,” he said.
Another famous nallah in Baramulla is Nallah Ningli that originates from Affarwat Mountain flows via Kandi area and is losing its sheen as waste is thrown into it openly on its banks at many villages.
Manzoor Ahmad, a resident of Kandi said the bridge between Kachwamuqam and Kalantra over Nallah Ningli and other places have become dumping sites for domestic waste.
“The waste doesn’t only pollute it but also gives a shabby look to this beautiful water stream. 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.
Regional Director, Jammu and Kashmir Pollution Control Board, Rafi Ahmad Bhat 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.
Rafi said that the water springs/bodies attract a lot of tourists and people throw trash and waste there. He said people should also change their attitude.
“Last time, we organized a national campaign “Cleaning Rivers of Kashmir” under Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in every district and cleaned plastic in many water bodies. We cleaned many rivers and there is a need for public support,” he said.
“People also have to take social responsibility and help the department. In the past many people have come up and we have revived some water bodies,” he said.
