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Youth from Anantnag village lead the fight to save water bodies

“We are here to save our water bodies so that future generations do not curse us for our inaction,” said Jamid Ahmad, a volunteer
05:54 PM Feb 03, 2025 IST | Khalid Gul
youth from anantnag village lead the fight to save water bodies
Youth from Anantnag village lead the fight to save water bodies --- GK Photo
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Anantnag, Feb 03: As the first rays of the winter sun touched, the youth of Muniward village of south Kashmir's Anantnag district stepped out of their homes to clean the Sandran- a major tributary of the Jhelum River, cutting through their village.

Once a pristine stream originating from Verinag, Sandran was known for its fresh, clean water.

However, years of garbage, plastic, and polythene waste had polluted it, turning it into a source of contamination.

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Concerned about its deteriorating condition, a local volunteer group, Khidmat Khalaq Foundation Muniward, took the lead in mobilizing residents to restore the tributary to its past glory.

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The initiative received strong support from local journalists Javed Dar and Sajad Dar.

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“I vividly remember taking baths and drinking water from this stream during my childhood. Now, it is our collective responsibility to restore it,” said Javed Dar.

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He said that at least three kilometers of the riverbed flowing through the village would be cleaned and beautified.

Sajad echoed similar views, maintaining that the mission is aimed at preserving water bodies for future generations.

“We started this drive to protect our water bodies so that future generations do not have to suffer due to our negligence,” he said.

Sajad hailed the youth of the village for their commitment in preserving natural resources.

“The youth have set a powerful example, proving that community-driven initiatives can bring about real change,” he said

Sajd hopes this initiative will inspire other villages to launch similar drives in their respective areas.

The cleanup drive will be held every Sunday as part of a sustained effort.

Local mosque preachers have also joined the cause, using their Friday sermons to urge villagers to keep the water body clean and avoid dumping waste into it.

Resolute in safeguarding the environment, the youth vowed to continue their efforts.

“We are here to save our water bodies so that future generations do not curse us for our inaction,” said Jamid Ahmad, a volunteer.

He urged people to be mindful of sanitation and to use garbage disposal services of the rural sanitation department.

“If anyone cannot afford the Rs 50 per month fee for waste collection, our foundation will cover the cost,” Jamid Ahmad said.

He also appealed to the Irrigation and Flood Control Department to construct embankments to prevent further encroachments on the water body.