Doodhganga River: From a lifeline to the Sewage Canal

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The Doodhganga River, a significant tributary of the Jhelum in the picturesque valley of Kashmir, is currently grappling with severe pollution and encroachment issues. The river, once a lifeline for the region, is now facing a crisis that demands immediate attention and action.

The Doodhganga River has borne the brunt of unabated pollution for far too long. Sewage, industrial waste, and even deceased animals have been indiscriminately disposed of along its course. This environmental degradation is further exacerbated by the absence of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), leading to all drains in the entire stretch of Doodhganga from Chadoora to Srinagar flowing directly into the river. The result is a gradual but disastrous contamination of the water, affecting not only aquatic life but also the health of communities dependent on the river.

To compound the problem, tons of solid waste, including garbage, are being dumped on the river's embankments at various locations, turning what was once a pristine watercourse into a dumping ground for waste.

One of the most visible signs of the river's plight is the rampant encroachment on its embankments. Official apathy and unchecked public greed have led to the construction of shops and buildings along the river's edge. The Doodhganga Canal, which was instrumental in preventing urban flooding after heavy rains, has been gradually buried under concrete structures, parks, and bus stands from Batamaloo to Shalteng. This not only disrupts the natural flow of the river but also exacerbates the flooding problems in the region during monsoons.

Another alarming issue that Doodhganga faces is large-scale illegal mining, particularly in the Chadoora area. Heavy machinery like JCBs and L&T cranes are used to extract riverbed materials, in violation of norms under the Jammu and Kashmir Minor Mineral Concession Rules 2016. This rampant mining poses a grave threat to the river's ecological balance, causing erosion and sedimentation problems.

In response to these pressing concerns, a prominent environmental activist, Dr. Raja Muzaffar Bhat, filed a petition with the National Green Tribunal (NGT). Over the years, the NGT has issued a series of directives to the Jammu and Kashmir Government to address the urgent conservation needs of the Doodhganga River. The tribunal recently ordered the J&K government to deposit a fine of Rs 35 crore after determining that local authorities had failed to adequately treat the liquid waste entering the river, marking a significant development in the ongoing efforts to save this vital water body.

The situation facing the Doodhganga River is a clear warning of the environmental damage and urbanization issues that are increasingly impacting our rivers across the world. It underscores the immediate need for effective pollution control strategies, stronger enforcement of environmental regulations, and a commitment to preserving our natural resources for future generations. The clock is ticking, and the fate of the Doodhganga River serves as a stark reminder that we must act now to save our rivers and the delicate ecosystems they support.

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