Contamination threat: Authorities impose ban on bathing in Tral’s Laam stream

Pulwama, Jun 26: Authorities in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Thursday imposed a ban on bathing in the Lam stream — a key source of drinking water that had recently become a popular spot for local youth seeking relief from the heat — following reports of contamination and an outbreak of waterborne disease.

The ban was enforced after residents raised concerns about the quality of the water and reported a rise in illness, particularly among children. "The ban was imposed after residents complained about contamination in the stream, which is a vital water source for many villages in the area," Additional Deputy Commissioner of Tral Sajid Yahaya Naqsh told Greater Kashmir. Residents said that over the past couple of weeks, amid unusually high temperatures, hundreds of youth from Tral and surrounding areas had been bathing in the stream, which led to contamination of the water.

Another official confirmed that a recent outbreak of jaundice in the area was linked to the consumption of water from the stream.

In response, the Tehsildar of Aripal has been directed to promptly install warning signs at the site, prohibiting bathing. "Instructions have also been issued to the SDPO Tral to maintain a strict vigil in the area to ensure compliance with the ban and prevent any further contamination," the official added.