Bandipora, August 26: Several traditional springs and water channels in Bandipora district are drying up or being affected by waste dumping, sewage discharge, encroachment and other forms of pollution, according to local residents.
Residents said water sources in Gundpora, Ajas, Kehnusa, Arin, Kuloosa, Gamroou, Nadihal and Guroora have been affected by indiscriminate dumping of household waste. They also expressed concern over the possible impact of pollution on downstream water bodies, including Wular Lake.
In Gundpora, residents said a stream that had been used for domestic purposes for generations is now littered with plastic bottles, food waste and discarded household items. They said garbage has also blocked the water flow at several points.
“People used to depend on this stream for water. Today, garbage is dumped into it and the flow has been blocked at several places,” said 60-year-old resident Abdul Gani.
Residents said sewage discharge and other contamination have further affected traditional water channels in different parts of the district.
Several springs have also reportedly dried up or recorded a decline in water discharge. Residents of Gamroou said a spring once used for domestic needs has become a dumping site, while residents of Gundpora and Dardpora said old springs in their areas have dried up.
“An old spring in Gundpora has completely dried up, forcing people to travel considerable distances to fetch drinking water. A similar situation has emerged in Dardpora,” said Abdul Khaliq, a resident.
Residents said similar problems have been reported from Hajin, Sumbal, Shahgund, Gundejahangir and Madwan, where springs and channels have been affected by pollution, encroachment and neglect.
They said repeated assurances regarding the cleaning and protection of traditional water sources had not resulted in visible improvement. Residents called for removal of accumulated waste, prevention of sewage discharge, identification of vulnerable water sources and measures against encroachment and further dumping.
They also said restoration of traditional springs and channels could help protect local water resources and reduce pressure on existing drinking-water infrastructure.
The residents urged the district administration and concerned departments to undertake restoration measures and establish mechanisms to protect the remaining traditional water sources.
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