Letter To Editor Nallah Ningli's Abysmal Condition Needs Urgent Attention

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer)
Representational Photo

During a recent walk near my native village, I was disheartened to find Nallah Ningli, a once-beautiful stream, in a severely degraded state. The vibrant waterway of my childhood, a place of cool breezes, soothing shade, and the delightful sounds of flowing water and birdsong, now resembled a deserted wasteland. Heaps of garbage littered the banks, and a foul stench permeated the air. It was the same stream, but transformed into a pathetic shadow of its former self.

Nallah Ningli, originating in the Affarwat mountains near Gulmarg, flows through numerous villages before joining the Jhelum River near Sopore. This vital tributary provides life-sustaining resources to the region, supporting horticulture, agriculture, and serving as the primary drinking water source for communities including Kandi, Wagoora, Kreeri, Sangrama, Sopore, and surrounding areas.

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Unfortunately, the combined negligence of residents and government authorities has turned this precious resource into a cesspool. Domestic waste and garbage are routinely dumped along the banks, posing a significant health risk to the local population. The accumulation of domestic sewage, plastic, and other waste threatens to have disastrous consequences if left unchecked.

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Nallah Ningli was once a thriving fish habitat, supporting local fisheries. While fish farms have been established along its banks, continued pollution threatens not only fish production but also the entire ecosystem of the stream. The open dumping of garbage and toxic waste also raises concerns about waterborne diseases, as the stream serves as a source for numerous Jal Shakti department water supply schemes.

Local residents have expressed their dismay at the stream's deteriorating condition, yet authorities, despite being aware of the problem, have seemingly turned a blind eye.

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Adding to the crisis, illegal encroachments along the banks have further destabilized the stream. While protective walls have been erected in some areas following the devastating 2014 floods, many vulnerable stretches remain, posing a continued flood risk. These illegal constructions must be stopped, and reforestation along the banks, coupled with robust protective walls, is crucial for restoring the stream's health.

Furthermore, the illegal extraction of materials such as sand, gravel, and boulders must cease.

At a time when the preservation of water bodies is a global priority, Nallah Ningli desperately needs attention. The escalating pollution is the primary cause of its decline. Without immediate intervention, this vital resource faces a silent death. The government's claims about sanitation and cleanliness under the Swachh Bharat Mission ring hollow in the face of Nallah Ningli's plight.

A coordinated effort involving various government departments, including Health, Rural Development, Irrigation and Flood Control, and Fisheries, along with active community participation, is essential. An immediate large-scale cleanup drive, engaging local residents, is necessary to remove the accumulated garbage.

While government action is vital, community involvement is paramount. Residents must stop using the stream as a dumping ground and adopt responsible waste disposal practices. Public awareness campaigns focused on environmental conservation will also play a key role in protecting this vital resource.

Let us unite and act now to save Nallah Ningli before it is too late.

Aarif Peerzada
[email protected] .

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