Jhelum's tributary canal becomes gutter (symbolic photo)
Jagran correspondent, Srinagar. A tributary canal of Jhelum river in Srinagar has become seriously polluted due to the apathy of the administration and dumping of garbage. This canal at Habba Kadal has now become a gutter filled with plastic waste and domestic waste, posing a threat to public health.
Danger of diseases due to dirt in the canal
Local people allege that due to regular garbage cleaning, weak monitoring system and uncontrolled dumping of garbage by people of nearby areas, the canal has turned into a gutter. This condition is posing serious health risks to children, the elderly and people suffering from skin diseases.
People say that the foul smell increases during summer, due to which families living near the canal have to keep their doors and windows closed.
Earlier the canal used to be the lifeline
Arshad Ahmed, a local citizen, said that this canal was once the lifeline of our area and provided clean running water. With this the water needs of the people were also being met. Today, due to government neglect it has become a source of disease.
Arshad said that despite repeated complaints being lodged with the concerned departments, till now no concrete action has been taken for its maintenance and conservation. If this situation continues, then within the next one or two years this river will disappear from existence. Before this, diseases will break out in the surrounding areas.
Appeal to take corrective measures
Local residents have urged the concerned departments and the district administration to take immediate corrective measures, including removing the accumulated garbage, restoring the natural flow of water and ensuring regular maintenance of the canal.
They have also demanded strict action against those dumping garbage in waterways as well as installation of warning boards and monitoring to prevent further misuse.