How crystal clear waterway turned into cesspool!

Once possessing crystal clear waters, Chuntkul, the major outflow channel of Dal Lake, has turned into a cesspool! Chuntkul is a living example of how official apathy has been taking its toll on the eco-fragile environment of Kashmir.

Surrounded by a canopy of Chinar trees, Chuntkul was a favourite haunt of tourists. Till 1947, British used to camp at Chinar Bagh comprising eight islands. Subsequently the spot became one of major camping sites and fishing spots for foreigners.

Besides being a tourist attraction, Chuntkul has 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, via Ram Munshi Bagh and Gaw Kadal water regulatory gates. Chuntkul turned into Dal Lake’s main outflow channel after filling the Nallah Mar canal in the 1970s.

However, in the absence of cleaning, Chuntkul’s deterioration started gradually. Siltation and pollution affected its flora and fauna besides its carrying capacity. 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.

But Chuntkul received a big blow during the devastating floods in 2014. The gushing waters of river Jhelum enters Chuntkul depositing tons of silt into it and damaging the water regulatory gate at Dal Lake. Though the water regulatory gate was constructed after inordinate delay, nearly a decade, questions have been raised over its design.

Instead of the Weir system or Needle system which existed till 1987, authorities constructed sluice or shutter-type water regulatory systems beneath Dalgate bridge. Chuntkul is lower by nearly three feet from Dal Lake. In the Needle system, 12 feet long and 10 inches thick Deodar sleepers were used to maintain Dal level in various seasons.

This traditional system kept Chuntkul clean as fresh water used to flow into it. This system beneath Dalgate bridge previously known as Angriz Khan was designed by Sir Lord Avery, 135 years ago. In 1987, authorities converted the system into the Iron Lock system. Navigational gate close by was used for regulating water transportation.

The new system does not allow fresh lease of waters into Chuntkul. Besides, the outflow gates of Chuntkul at Ram Munshi Bagh and Gaw Kadal usually remain closed due to low water flow into Chuntkul. This has resulted in the development of stagnation pockets in Chuntkul besides, proliferation of weeds.

The problem is compounded by high levels of pollution by inflow of drains directly into Chuntkul. Drains of MA Road and Barbarshah areas are directly pumped into Chuntkul by two dewatering pumping stations. This has severely affected Chuntkul’s flora and fauna.

In 2005, it was only with the intervention of the High Court that the illegal structures were demolished on the bank of Chuntkul from Sonwar to SRTC Bridge. However, authorities didn’t remove the encroachments till Gaw Kadal.

It is ironic that no dredging or cleaning drive has been undertaken in the channel for decades. Garbage dumps on the channel’s sides at Gaw Kadal are gradually eating up Chuntkul. Pungent smell emanating from the channel is unbearable. Who would believe that it is the same place which used to bustle with tourists!

Who would imagine that it is the place where the India Council of Cultural Relations had organised a camp for students of 25 countries in the 1960s to showcase Chuntkul’s crystal clear waters. Chuntkul is now a mere cesspool!  Owing to the natural beauty of Chuntkul and Chinar Bagh, the Government in 1960s and 70s used to encourage tourism and cultural promotional activities by participating in them. But successive regimes turned blind eye towards Chuntkul.
In July last year, there was large-scale death of fish in Chuntkul. People were shocked to see hundreds of fish including large ones and fingerlings floating on surface of Chuntkul.

From the source of fresh water, Chuntkul has become a source of pollution. In summer, there is large Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and due to depletion of oxygen and pollution load, some species of fish die. Waters of Chuntkul are stagnant or organic, waste level is high, and in these conditions fish mortality is bound to happen.

Environmentalists have long back sounded alarm bells saying the stagnation of Chuntkul waters has triggered perennation in the water ferns. They warned that  if left unattended not only will it lead to raising of Chuntkul’s  bead but also drastically affect its flora and fauna. Given the importance of Chuntkul, its conservation must be undertaken at par with Dal Lake. We need to understand that ill-health of Chuntkul can prove detrimental to the health of Dal. Chuntkul needs regular flushing to neutralise the concentration of nutrients and silt.

Recently there were reports that the government is mulling to take measures for conservation of Chuntkul. There were reports that a project will be formulated for Pollution abatement and conservation of River Jhelum at Chuntkul and Gawkadal areas in Srinagar, at estimated cost of Rs. 6445.68 lakh under the National River Conservation Plan. We have voluntary groups like Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation, Environmental Policy Group and Green Citizens Council which can join hands to not only restore Chuntkul but other water bodies.

More than funds, political and public will are important for restoration of Chuntkul. We need to understand that we inherited the water bodies from our ancestors and it is our responsibility to preserve and pass these natural assets on to the next generation!.
Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir