Pulwama, May 02 : Residents of Pulwama district in South Kashmir are grappling with a significant environmental concern as tonnes of rotten, infected apples have been found littering the embankments of the vital Rambiara rivulet near Industrial Growth Centre (IGC) Lassipora.
Local residents have raised alarm over the unscientific disposal practices employed by some CA stores, which they say pose a serious threat to public health in the area.
Ashiq Hussain, a concerned local resident, highlighted the gravity of the situation, revealing that the infected apples dumped along the embankments eventually seep into the main water body.
“Once a pristine water source, Rambiara is now emitting foul odours at Lassipora due to the presence of pollutants, causing inconvenience for commuters and farmers alike who rely on its water for agricultural purposes,” he said, adding that they hesitate to utilise the water for their orchards due to the risk of infection.
Hussain urged authorities to intervene and dissuade CA stores from continuing this hazardous practice.
In response to the outcry, Fayaz Ahmad, Manager Estate at IGC Lassipora, confirmed that they have taken notice of the issue.
“We have initiated correspondence with the president of Industrial Association IGC Lassipora to address this matter,” he said. Ahmad revealed that a meeting has been convened with CA store owners to address the issue, and efforts have commenced to retrieve the rotten apples from the water body for proper disposal.
Acknowledging the seriousness of the situation, Mukhtar Ahmad Khan, President of the Industrial Association IGC Lassipora, assured proactive measures to tackle the problem.
“We have deployed earthmovers to lift the rotten apples from Rambiara for their proper disposal,” Khan said.
He further disclosed plans to encourage CA store owners to utilize Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) for a nominal fee, ensuring responsible waste management practices.
