Stream turns into a cesspool

A few days ago I went out for a walk to a nearby stream in my native village. To my utter disappointment, I found the stream in a very pathetic condition. I found that the stream was presenting a deserted look. Heaps of garbage along its banks and obnoxious smell emanating from the filth all around forced me to think for a while; is this the same place which I often visited during my childhood days.

This is the place where we used to visit often for enjoying the cool breeze and the soothing shade in summer. The music of the flowing water and the chirping sound of the birds was the best source of amusement. Taking a bath in its fresh flowing water was indeed the most enjoyable thing. After recounting all these childhood memories I realised that it is the same place, but in a completely different sate and in a very pathetic condition.

The stream which I am talking about is Nallah Ningli which was once a pretty water stream but unfortunately is gasping for a breath now.

Originating from the Affarwat mountains near Gulmarg, the Nallah flows down through a dozen of villages to join river Jhelum near Sopore. A tributary of river Jhelum, the stream acts as a life line for whole area. Besides acting as a backbone for the area’s horticulture and agriculture activities, the stream is the only source of drinking water for the areas including Kandi, Wagoora, Kreeri, Wagoora, Sangrama, Sopore and other adjacent areas.

But unfortunately the insensitive and the irresponsible approach of the inhabitants as well as the government has turned this precious water stream into a cesspool. Heaps of domestic waste and garbage is being dumped along its banks at many places posing a serious threat to the health of a large chunk of population. The sewage and other forms of wastes including plastic thrown in the stream has proved disastrous; if not checked, it will prove fatal.

The stream also used to be a good source of fish in the past. The department of fisheries has constructed many fish farms along its banks for fish production but if this pollution continues, it will not only deprive us from the fish production but will also endanger other forms of flora and fauna of this stream.

The dumping of garbage and other toxic waste openly in the stream can lead to many water borne diseases as the water of this stream is consumed by the people. The Jal Shakti department has also taken a number of water supply schemes from the stream and this water is supplied to a large section of population.

The inhabitants of the area who depend on the stream have also expressed their concern about its deteriorating condition. The concerned authorities despite being aware of this situation have turned a blind eye towards this issue.

Another important issue that has threatened the existence of this precious water body is the unabated illegal encroachments along its banks. After the 2014 devastating floods, the banks along with the plantation were washed away. Although the authorities have raised the protection walls along its banks at many places, still there are many places where the embankments pose a grave flood threat. The illegal encroachments along its banks must be stopped completely. Planting of different kinds of trees along its banks and raising of strong protection walls will help in restoring the pristine glory of this stream.

Besides checking the pollution and encroachments, the authorities must stop every kind of illegal extraction of material including sand, bajri, boulders, stokes etc., from this stream.

At a time when their is much hue and cry at the national as well as global level about the protection of water bodies, this important water stream is craving for attention. The increasing pollution is the main reason behind its lost glory. If the pollution is not stopped at its earliest, time is not far when this precious water stream will die a silent death and we will be deprived of this important natural resource.

The tall claims made by administration about the sanitation and cleanliness under ‘Swach Bharat Mission’ are proved totally false when it comes to Nallah Ningli.

A coordinated approach from the administration involving all the concerned departments like Health Department, Rural Development Department, Irrigation and Flood Control, Fisheries etc. along with a positive role of local communities will be essential in protecting and preserving this stream from further devastation. The authorities should immediately carry out a massive cleanliness drive by involving local people.

While the government agencies have their role to play, the role of community is of utmost importance. The inhabitants should immediately stop throwing garbage in this stream and should act responsibly to avoid its further deterioration. Different awareness programmes among the public with regard to environmental conservation and protection will also help in prevention of this water body from further deterioration.

Let us us all come forward and work together to save this natural asset before it is too late.

The author is a teacher and a freelancer.