Restore waterways in Kashmir

Kashmir has been blessed with numerous water bodies and wetlands. Till several decades ago, river Jhelum and other water bodies in the valley were major modes of traditional water transport. However, due to deterioration of water bodies, most of the waterways were blocked bringing water transport to a standstill.

River Jhelum, considered to be Kashmir’s lifeline, was a major water transport route through which goods from north Kashmir’s Baramulla district reached Kashmir till 1947. Merchandise in horse carts used to reach Baramulla from Muzaffarabad road which was the main route to Kashmir at that time. The goods were ferried to Srinagar and south Kashmir in big boats and unloaded at ghats, remnants of which are still visible.

Waterways in lakes were also used for water transport and ferrying vegetables. These waterways connected most of the water bodies. Shikaras and Doongas, which were big boats rowed by several boatmen, used to ferry from Dal lake, Brari Nambal, Nallah Mar, Khushalsar, Gilsar, Aanchar, Jhelum and Wular lake. These waterways were a favorite haunt of tourists, especially foreigners. They used to enjoy the ride through water bodies, engage in fishing, bird hunting and explore the natural beauty of Kashmir. Locals too use these navigational routes to go for picnics.
However, in absence of conservation measures, these waterways were gradually choked due to siltation and encroachments. Unabated urbanisation changed the landscape of water bodies.

One of the major waterways, Nallah Mar canal crisscrossing Downtown served as navigational route and major outflow channel of Dal lake for centuries together. Nallah Mar was constructed in the 13th century by king of Kashmir Zainul Abidin popularly known as Budshah. The canal helped to regulate waters of Dal Lake and also facilitate water transport facilities to its dwellers. The canal was filled up by the government in the early 70s. The filling up of Nallah Mar not only affected water circulation of Dal Lake but also halted water transport. A motorable two lane road was constructed after burying Nallah Mar alive!

Authorities have been making efforts to restore the waterways and canal to restore water transport but it is a mammoth job.  In 2022, a water route from Dal Lake to Beehama to be used after 3 decades. The waterway was used by people from centuries to visit the shrine of Syed Qamar Din Bukhara at Beehama in Ganderbal district to participate in his Urs.

Due to lack of sustained measures, the route is overwhelmed by weeds and bushes, hampering smooth movement of shikaras. Likewise, movement of shikaras from Dal Lake to Khushalsar Lake for onward journey to Wular Lake has been restricted due to massive growth of weeds and accumulation of solid waste in Nallah Amir Khan.

In 2012, the Government planned to launch an inland water transport system in Jhelum and water bodies. However, the project was grounded after devastating floods in 2014. Later efforts were made in 2017 to revive it but the project was again shelved.

The Master Plan 2035 of Srinagar Metropolitan Region envisages starting the Inland Water Transport in the summer capital.

The Master Plan states that river Jhelum has been the historical spine of the city. “The remnants of ghats along the Jhelum banks point to the fact the city used to have an inland water transport system. There is a need to revive the city‘s water transport to supplement its road based transport system. At the same time, it will be an important attraction for tourists to enjoy the historicity and beauty of this city.

The plan identified various routes including Raj Bagh to Chatabal Weir (along Jhelum River), Dalgate to Hazratbal, Dalgate to Soura via Nallah Amir Khan and Khushalsar, Dalgate to Hazratbal via Nishat, Shalimar, Pampore to Raj Bagh. A study  Prospects of Inland Water Transportation in the River Drainage System of Kashmir published in International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology enumerates the immense potential of water transport in Kashmir.

The research conducted by Maleeha Rashid. a research cholar states that considering the present traffic congestion, frequent jams, narrow roadways in Srinagar city and for restoration of fast mode of transportation and glory of river Jhelum, in the first phase a length of 27 km from Pampore to Chattabal weir within Srinagar city can be used as a public Water transport system.
“The traffic forecasts in respect of passengers & tourist traffic have been used as the basis for the functional planning of the terminals in an optimal way.

An environmental impact assessment study has been carried out to ascertain the impact of development of the waterway on the ecosystem. Organisational setup to run the IWT was suggested and worked out considering the total requirement of operation and maintenance. Inland water transportation may also help in mitigating the chances of prospective floods," the study states.

Earlier this year, the water transport was included as one of the flagship projects of Srinagar Smart City and a process has been initiated to finalise the modalities.  However, launching of water transport is not possible unless waterways are fully restored. As a voluntary effort, the Nigeen Lake Conservation Organisation (NLCO) despite facing odds restored waterways in Gilsar and Khushalsar lakes. NLCO chairman Manzoor Wangnoo has launched a campaign to restore the network of traditional navigational routes.    .

Government and other stakeholders too need to contribute their bit.  There is a need to launch scientific measures to clean the lakes with focus on waterways. Care has to be taken to use traditional and eco-friendly means of water transport to safeguard eco-fragile areas of Jhelum and other water bodies. Movement of shikaras will help to provide fresh lease of oxygen to water bodies by increasing water circulation and subsequent aeration. The revival of water transport can be beneficial ecologically and economically.

Author is Executive Editor, Greater Kashmir