Pulwama, Nov 25: Residents of Pulwama town have expressed their appreciation for the district administration’s efforts in partially restoring Dhobi Kaul, a significant freshwater canal in the town.
The restoration marks a crucial step toward addressing a long-standing demand of the locals.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, residents highlighted that the canal had suffered neglect for decades, with funds sanctioned repeatedly for its restoration and beautification often left unused.
However, under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, part of the canal has been restored.
Musaddiq Reyaz, a local resident, acknowledged the Deputy Commissioner’s role in breaking the cycle of inaction.
“For the past three decades, funds for Dhobi Kaul were sanctioned multiple times but remained unutilized. It is only now that visible progress has been made,” he said.
While praising the administration’s efforts, locals have urged the authorities to restore and beautify the entire length of the canal. “Some sections remain clogged and in disrepair. The work must be extended to cover the entire stretch,” a resident said.
Executive Officer Municipal Committee Pulwama, Wali Mohammad Wani, clarified that the project is being funded by the Municipal Committee but executed by the Irrigation Department.
“The irrigation department will provide further information about the project,” he said.
Nazir Ahmad Bhat, Executive Engineer Irrigation Division Pulwama, said that a proposal for the canal’s complete restoration has been submitted and is being actively pursued.
“We are working on securing the necessary approvals to take up the remaining portions,” he added.
Dhobi Kaul is a vital freshwater stream running through Pulwama town’s central market. Years of neglect and unchecked dumping of garbage had reduced it to a cesspool. The ongoing restoration and beautification project aim to rejuvenate the canal and restore its significance to the town.
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