Pulwama, Dec 21 (KNO): The residents of Pulwama town Saturday demanded restoration of ‘Dhobi Kol’.
Dhobi Kol—a brook that once used to support dozens of families in the laundry business has been left with a deteriorating condition.
The brook flows through prominent locations in Pulwama including the old bus stand and Murran Chowk.
The locals informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that Dhobi Kol was once a significant resource for their livelihoods but has suffered from neglect and pollution.
“Despite repeated pleas from the public over the past 30 years, comprehensive restoration efforts have been lacking,” the locals said.
Aadil Ahmad, a local of Pulwama town while lamenting on the issue said that the brook has turned into a waste dump due to inadequate cleaning.
Another local, Javid Ahmad Reshie pointed out that shopkeepers along the canal were responsible for the degradation of the brook by dumping waste into it.
He emphasized the need for public cooperation and civic awareness to prevent further pollution.
Recently, a portion of the brook near Rajpora Chowk was recently uncontaminated by the district administration led by Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom.
Residents urged the government to take strict action against individuals polluting the canal.
An official confirmed that the canal's complete restoration is under active consideration by the government, raising hopes among the locals for its revival and preservation—(KNO)