The once-pristine waters of the Jhelum River are now tainted as they bear the burden of pollution from households and industries. There is an urgent need for concern to ensure the vital river is saved.
By Mool Raj
The Jehlum River, the primary aquatic lifeline of the picturesque Kashmir Valley, regrettably, has been a victim of neglect, both by the local populace and the administrative authorities over time. Consequently, it now portrays a disheartening and dismal image in the present day. Should this unfortunate trajectory persist, it’s only a matter of time before this once vibrant river faces imminent demise. The onus of safeguarding our vital water bodies falls squarely on our shoulders. We must first cultivate an acute awareness of their irreplaceable importance, as they fundamentally underpin our existence. In the face of jeopardy to these lifelines, our very survival hangs in the balance.
Regrettably, it is disheartening to observe that the residents dwelling in close proximity to these water bodies have, in effect, transformed them into dumping grounds for household sewage, plastic waste, and perilous non-biodegradable refuse. This deleterious practice has posed an alarming threat to the continued existence of these water bodies.
Furthermore, encroachments by the masses, whether through construction projects or horticultural endeavors, have significantly encroached upon these vital waterways. The negligence of prior governments in addressing these issues amounts to nothing short of complicity.
The administrative bodies can ill afford to turn a blind eye to this critical matter. The state government and their respective district administrations, within their jurisdiction, must formulate robust and strategic action plans aimed at preserving these invaluable water bodies. Unfortunately, the district administrations seem to be in a state of prolonged inaction, failing to fulfill their mandated roles. This negligence has transpired under their very noses, despite the glaring urgency of the situation.
Regrettably, it is disheartening to observe that the residents dwelling in close proximity to these water bodies have, in effect, transformed them into dumping grounds for household sewage, plastic waste, and perilous non-biodegradable refuse.
Furthermore, it is disconcerting to consider that government departments, ostensibly tasked with safeguarding these resources, have in fact contributed to their degradation under various pretexts. A pertinent example is the fact that the entirety of Srinagar City’s sewage finds its ultimate outlet in the Jehlum River. The same holds true for households surrounding the iconic Dal Lake, where their wastewater and refuse inevitably flow into the river. In virtually every locale, the river is being utilized as a receptacle for waste disposal.
Tragically, the collective memory seems to have faded concerning the time when the Jehlum River held profound religious significance and its waters were pristine and crystal clear. Now, the runoff from the city’s commercial establishments further taints its once-pure waters, rendering them increasingly toxic. The situation is no better in towns and villages situated along the riverbanks, where they too employ it as a convenient outlet for their wastewater and waste.
The respective district administrations passively observe these activities, allowing the degradation of the Jehlum River and other water bodies to continue unabated. Regrettably, successive governments have viewed the Jehlum River as a potential source of revenue. Over the years, a recurring pattern has emerged: one government initiates policies ostensibly aimed at conserving the river, only for subsequent administrations to nullify these measures in favor of their own interests, all while paying scant regard to the imperative of strategic preservation and management.
It is only natural to ponder what might have been achieved had past governments been genuinely committed to the preservation of these vital water bodies and had implemented viable alternatives. However, the disheartening reality is that this detrimental practice has persisted for decades.
Amidst this bleak panorama, there appears to be a glimmer of hope emanating from the present Lt Governor administration. They are diligently working to rejuvenate these water bodies through innovative and scientifically-driven methods, employing all available resources. However, unless the government devises practical solutions for household sewage and waste disposal, as well as waste generated by commercial enterprises, the future of these water bodies, particularly the Jehlum River, remains perilous. The damage, once incurred, may prove irreparable.
It is imperative that people acknowledge the undeniable fact that our very existence is intrinsically tied to the well-being of these water bodies. As their continued existence hangs in the balance, so does our own. Failure to act promptly may leave us with an insurmountable crisis in the not-so-distant future.
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