We forget that the water cycle and the lifecycle are one
JHELUM,the lifeline of vast area of valley,which originates in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district and
traverses through Srinagar before entering south Asia’s one of the largest freshwater lake wallur, increases the economic status of both the rural and urban population of Kashmir which means that
much population is directly and indirectly depend on the river system of jhelum.
But due to urbanization or population growth the river system has come under threat because,lot of garbage come through our homes and industries are thrown in the river jhelum.
Toilets and hotels in Anantnag, Pulwama, Srinagar
and Baramulla districts draining into the river without any treatment.Which become huge challenges before us.
Due to pollution,the only important source of hydropower, irrigation and drinking water in kashmir
can lead to health issues in humans,such as cancer or cardiovascular conditions.It has also adversely
affected the aquatic life of the river.
Several thousand fish came to the surface and banks of the jhelum in Srinagar in October 2017 when pollutants from two canals were released into the river, leading to oxygen depletion.
Expert say the government has failed to take effective measures to control the pollution in the
river.
The focus of the government and environmentalists continued on the conservation of the jhelum
was neglected.Over the year’s at least seven sewage treatment plants (STPs) were established around Dallake,but none for the Jhelum.Jhelum receive huge quantities of solid as well as liquid sewage from major portions of the city.
We have become used to pollute Jhelum in the absence of a proper drainage system and STP’s.
Jhelum is the most important and precious element for the existence of life in kashmir.we should respect the value of jhelum river in our life and save them from being polluted.
We should aware and motivate people about the importance of water as well as water saving techniques from pollution. We both ( government and citizens) should be held responsible.
The government as the law maker frames rules and regulations and should be responsible for their strict implementation and the other hands , citizens should also be held responsible as they are the ones that indulge in polluting the rivers.
The government should take proper initiatives and put in place a proper drainage system.
Most of the gutters and nallahs are directly connected to the main rivers, which causes a major threat to aquatic life and human health.If the government bring in proper laws, citizens will be forced to follow them.
Author : ADFAR KUCHAY
Can be mailed at [email protected]
