Jahangeer Ganaie
Pulwama, Aug 3: Dozens of famous springs located in south Kashmir’s Tral belt are on the verge of getting extinct owing to the locals and officials’ ignorance over the years.
Many springs which were once the main source of water for the residents are in a pathetic condition and authorities aren’t taking any steps to clean or restore them.
Locals from Tral said that almost every spring in the town is in dilapidated conditions as a lot of dirt, garbage have filled the water bodies making them unfit for use.
“Two famous springs, Batnag and Wudnag are full of garbage as the two are surrounded by schools and shops which is leading to the dumping of waste near them,” they said.
Locals said these springs are of historical importance but no attention is being provided towards them.
“My shop is located near Batnag but the foul smell coming from the spring is irking us and customers as well,” said Shariq Ahmad, a local shopkeeper.
He said that they have requested the concerned higher ups to restore these springs but to no avail.
“These springs were providing water to nearby localities but their condition is very pathetic now,” Shariq said.
Locals said that just for photos and bills, springs are being cleaned but nothing is being done on ground.
They requested concerned authorities to look into the matter at an earliest so that these water bodies can be saved.
An official said that despite cleaning the springs several times, people continue to throw garbage and other dirt in them due to which these springs have become very polluted.
“We are trying to create awareness in these localities and are seeking cooperation from the general public to avoid throwing wastage near these springs,” he said.
He said restoring these water bodies is a collective responsibility and the administration alone cannot help in their restoration.
