Breathe life back into dying water bodies!
After years of inaction, the government has finally kick-started conservation measures to restore the glory of Chuntkul, the major outflow channel of Dal Lake and Doodh Ganga river.
Chuntkul and Doodh Ganga have been marred by inflow of drains by catchment areas in absence of Sewage Treatment Plants. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently laid foundation stones for construction of three major Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) along Doodh Ganga and Chuntikul, It’s a long awaited scientific measure to prevent pollution in Chuntkul and Doodh Ganga.
Being constructed at a cost of Rs 189 crore, these STPs are designed to substantially enhance wastewater treatment capacity and prevent untreated sewage from flowing into the vital water bodies.
Under the project plan, Doodh Ganga Phase-I comprises a 6 Million Litres per Day (MLD) capacity STP to be constructed at a cost of Rs 50.6 crore at Mochua Budgam. The Doodh Ganga Phase-II to be constructed at Aloochi Bagh will have a capacity of 14 MLD at an estimated cost of RS 67.72 crore. Besides, an 8 MLD capacity STP is proposed at Chuntkul at Gaw Kadal at a cost of Rs 70.90 crore. After completion, these three STPs will collectively treat 28 million litres of sewage per day, significantly reducing pollutant discharge into Doodh Ganga and subsequently into river Jhelum. The establishment of these modern sewage treatment facilities is aimed to improve water quality, safeguard aquatic biodiversity, strengthen public health standards and ensure compliance with environmental regulations under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
Due to unabated flow of drains, flora and fauna in Chuntkul and Doodh Ganga have been extensively damaged. Besides, constant influx of sewage has triggered high biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), declining dissolved oxygen levels subsequently causing flow of polluted water in Jhelum.
We need to understand the immense ecological role of Chuntul and Doodh Ganga. Surrounded by towering Chinars trees, Chuntkul assumes immense ecological importance for Dal Lake. The channel helps to maintain the water budget of Dal’s as its surplus waters flows through it into river Jhelum through Ram Munshi Bagh and Gaw Kadal water regulatory gates. Till a few decades ago, Chuntkul possessed crystal clear waters. Chuntkul was a favorite haunt of tourists. Till 1947, British used to camp at Chinar Bagh comprising eight islands popularly known as Chinar Bagh. Due to its natural ambience, Chuntkul had emerged as a preferred camping site and fishing spot for foreign tourists.
Impressed by Chuntkul’s beauty, the India Council of Cultural Relations had organised a camp for students of 25 countries there in 1960. Owing to the natural beauty of Chuntkul and Chinar Bagh, the then Prime Minister of the State, Bakshi Ghulam Muhammad used to encourage tourism and cultural promotional activities at Chuntkul.
However, after the filling of the Nallah Mar canal, which snaked through the Old City, Chuntkul emerged as the main outflow channel of Dal. With the passage of time, Chuntkul since the early ’80s was gradually encroached by the unbridled construction of huts and concrete structures. In 2007, the authorities had launched a drive to demolish the structures.
In absence of conservation measures, Chuntkul turned into a cesspool. In 2012, a seven metre viaduct with 1.5 metre footpath was constructed over Chuntkul, reducing its area and severely affecting its aesthetic beauty by the concrete structure. Earlier the water of Dal Lake used to constantly flow into Chuntkul through the Weir system or Needle system which existed till late 80s. In the Needle system, 12 feet long and 10 inches thick Deodar sleepers were used to maintain Dal level in various seasons. Later authorities constructed sluice or shutter-type water regulatory systems beneath Dalgate bridge which was damaged in 2014 floods. Now a foundation of a new water regulatory gate has been laid which is around 2 feet above Dal Lake. This has devoid constant flow of water into Chuntkul and low level causes extensive growth of weeds and siltation. What compounds the problem is pumping of drain water by the government’s dewatering pumping stations at MA Road and Barbarshah turning it into a cesspool.
Doodh Ganga too shares the painful story of Chuntkul. Originating from glaciers of Pir Panjal mountain and owing to its clear waters, Doodh Ganga was called “Milk River.” The river is the main source of drinking water for Budgam and uptown areas of Srinagar. However, in absence of STPs, all drains from catchment areas flow into the river. On a petition by noted Kashmir based environmental activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has passed slew of directions besides imposing penalties to prevent pollution in the river. As per official figures, 2.23 MLD of sewage is generated within Budgam district and there is not a single STP.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reiterated the Government’s firm commitment to environmental protection, sustainable urban infrastructure, and long-term water security. Omar, who is a nature lover, has emphasised that restoring the health of tributaries such as Doodh Ganga is crucial for the comprehensive rejuvenation of the Jhelum, which remains the lifeline of Kashmir’s ecology, agriculture and drinking water supply. A welcome initiative aimed at environment protection by the CM indeed. The good work on environmental protection has to be carried forward on priority. We must replicate these environmental conservation models to other water bodies like Brari Nambal, Gilsar, Khushalsar and Aanchar. People’s participation is a must in environmental conservation. A voluntary group like Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) has been undertaking cleaning of twin urban lakes Khushalsar and Gilsar. Similarly, the Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has been fighting a long legal battle to save the environment, especially water bodies and wetlands. Government and people have the will to save the environment, they just need to channelise their efforts in the right way. Coordinated efforts can be effective to protect our eco-fragile ecosystem in a better way.
Unlike other projects, environmental conservation works must be completed within a stipulated time frame. Each minute and second is important for restoring water bodies. Damage done so far to the environment is irreparable but we can prevent further deterioration. Government must go for sustainable development to mitigate climate change and prevent further damage to the environment. Let us live harmoniously with nature!
Author is Executive Editor,
Greater Kashmir
