Anantnag, May 15 (KNO): Large quantities of waste are being dumped close to the banks of the Lidder River in the Sarbal area of Pahalgam, triggering outrage among residents and environmental activists who warned that the pollution poses a serious threat to the fragile ecosystem and public health downstream.
Resident informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the garbage generated from hotels, restaurants, residential areas and other commercial establishments is being accumulated near the river, posing a serious threat to the fragile ecosystem as well as to the health of people dependent on the river water downstream.
They said that although the government had established a waste management plant at Sarbal Pahalgam for scientific disposal of waste, the situation on the ground remains alarming as the fencing around the facility has been damaged, allowing waste material and contaminated runoff to flow directly towards the Lidder River, particularly during rainfall.
"Heaps of garbage can be seen lying scattered around the plant, and with every spell of rain, dirty water and other pollutants from the waste piles get washed into the river," said a local. “The location of the dumping site itself is highly inappropriate. The waste and contaminated liquid directly enter the Lidder River, which is a source of drinking water for dozens of water supply schemes across Anantnag district."
Another resident said the unchecked dumping of waste near the river could lead to severe environmental degradation and increase the risk of water-borne diseases among the population using the river water for drinking and household purposes.
“We are not only talking about pollution of a river but the destruction of an entire ecosystem. Thousands of people depend on this water downstream. If immediate measures are not taken, the consequences could be irreversible,” he said.
Environmental activists expressed serious concern over the growing waste crisis in the tourist resort and questioned the absence of proper scientific waste disposal mechanisms despite rapid commercial expansion in the area.
“There should be proper facilities and infrastructure for the disposal and treatment of waste. If such facilities are not available, then on what basis are hundreds of hotels, guest houses and other structures being allowed to come up every year in Pahalgam?” an environmental activist questioned.
He said Pahalgam, being one of Kashmir’s prime tourist destinations, is witnessing an increase in tourist footfall. However, waste management systems have failed to keep pace with the expansion.
Locals alleged that despite repeated complaints and growing public concern, the authorities have failed to take timely and effective measures to address the issue.
Residents have now urged the administration to immediately shift the dumping site away from the riverbanks, restore and strengthen the fencing around the waste management facility, ensure scientific disposal of waste and take urgent steps to protect the purity of the Lidder River.
They warned that if the issue continues to be ignored, it could severely impact public health, tourism and the ecological balance of the region.
Chief Executive Officer of the Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA), Mir Nasrool Hilal Jeri, said this comes under the municipal committee.
"I will still look into it," the CEO said—(KNO)