The Urgency to Save River Jhelum

Residing in the Ali Kadal residential area alongside the banks of River Jhelum, I have taken upon myself the responsibility of educating my community about the ecological significance of this vital waterway.

Through door-to-door surveys, I have strived to raise awareness among residents regarding the importance of preserving and protecting the river. My efforts extend beyond mere awareness-raising.

Recognizing the detrimental impact of slaughterhouse waste directly draining into the river, I have consistently petitioned the Commissioner of the Srinagar Municipal Authority (SMC) to provide alternative waste disposal solutions for these establishments.

The need for such action became evident through years of observation, witnessing the pollution caused by this unchecked waste disposal practice. Moreover, my concerns extend to the wider community as well.

Observing the indiscriminate dumping of garbage, construction debris, and leftover food from bridges spanning the river, I have taken steps to counsel individuals against such harmful practices. I have engaged with local committees and initiated correspondence with municipal authorities, advocating for the fencing of bridges to prevent further pollution of the river.

Delving into the historical context of River Jhelum, known as Vitasta in Sanskrit and Vyeth in Kashmiri, it becomes apparent that its degradation began as far back as the 1960s. Deforestation without adequate afforestation measures, coupled with unchecked residential and commercial development in the catchment areas, has contributed to its decline.

The 2014 floods worsened the already compromised state of the river, further impacting its ecosystem and the associated Wular Lake. Pollution, particularly from sewage and industrial waste, poses a significant threat to the river's health and the well-being of communities reliant on it for drinking water and livelihoods.

The river continues to suffer from untreated sewage, encroachments, and a lack of effective conservation measures.

The implications of neglecting River Jhelum extend beyond environmental concerns. It is intertwined with the cultural and economic fabric of Kashmir, serving as a lifeline for agriculture-based economies and a symbol of faith and heritage for local communities. The need for comprehensive action is urgent.

The encroachments and siltation plaguing the riverbed, coupled with increasing pollution levels, demand immediate attention. Scientific studies have highlighted the alarming increase in nitrate-nitrogen levels, indicative of the detrimental impact of urbanization, agricultural practices, and deforestation on river health.

Pollution of River Jhelum

Pollution of river Jhelum occurs due to various sources and factors. Here are some points contributing to the pollution of river Jhelum which need immediate redress.

Industrial Waste: Industries often discharge untreated or partially treated effluents containing harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and other pollutants directly into river Jhelum.

Agricultural Runoff: Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers used in agriculture leach into river Jhelum through runoff, contaminating the water and affecting aquatic life.

Urban Runoff: Storm water runoff from urban areas carries pollutants such as oil, grease, heavy metals, and litter into river Jhelum, especially during heavy rainfall events.

Sewage and Wastewater: Inadequately treated sewage and wastewater from residential, commercial, and industrial sources contain pathogens, nutrients, and other pollutants that degrade water quality in river Jhelum.

Illegal Dumping: Dumping of solid waste, including plastics and other non-biodegradable materials, directly into river Jhelum contributes to its pollution and negatively impacts aquatic ecosystems.

Mining Activities: Mining operations release sediments, heavy metals, and other pollutants into river Jhelum through erosion, leaching, and runoff from mining sites.

Deforestation and Soil Erosion: Deforestation and soil erosion increases sedimentation in river Jhelum, leading to turbidity that degrades its water quality.

Oil Spills: Accidental or deliberate discharge of oil into river Jhelum  from sources such as oil tankers, pipelines, or illegal oil dumping can have severe ecological impacts, including harming aquatic life and contaminating water.

Urbanization: Rapid urbanization often leads to increased impervious surfaces like roads and pavements, which increase surface runoff and the transport of pollutants into river Jhelum.

Inadequate Waste Management: Inadequate solid waste management practices, including improper landfill disposal and open burning of waste, results in the release of pollutants into river Jhelum through runoff and leachate.

Aquaculture: Intensive aquaculture practices leads to the accumulation of excess nutrients, antibiotics, and waste products in river Jhelum, particularly in areas where fish farms are located near water bodies.

Hydroelectric Dams and Reservoirs: Construction and operation of hydroelectric dams has altered river ecosystems of Jhelum, leading to changes in water flow, sediment transport, and water quality, which impacts downstream habitats and aquatic life.

Habitat Destruction: Alteration and destruction of eco-fragile zones, wetlands, and natural vegetation along riverbank of Jhelum has disrupted its ecological processes and reduced the ability of river Jhelum to filter pollutants and support biodiversity.

Climate Change: Climate change has aggravated the pollution of Jhelum through increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, altered precipitation patterns, and rising temperatures, all of which has affected water quality and ecosystem health.

Recreational Activities: Activities such as boating, fishing, and tourism contributes to river pollution through fuel spills, littering, and the release of chemicals from recreational boats.

Invasive Species: Introduction of non-native invasive species into river Jhelum has disrupted native ecosystems and altered water quality by outcompeting native species, disturbing habitats, and altering nutrient cycling processes.

In conclusion, while the challenges facing River Jhelum are daunting, there remains hope for its restoration and preservation. Government initiatives, backed by community engagement and robust conservation efforts, are imperative to safeguarding this vital resource for future generations. Failure to act decisively risks irreparable damage to one of Kashmir's most precious natural assets, a legacy we cannot afford to squander.

Addressing these points requires comprehensive strategies such as implementing stricter regulations, improving wastewater treatment infrastructure, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and raising public awareness about the importance of river conservation and pollution prevention.

Dr. Showkat Rashid Wani, Senior Coordinator, Directorate of Distance Education, University of Kashmir