Sajid Raina
Bandipora, Oct 22: North Kashmir’s Bandipora district is witnessing a growing environmental crisis as another shore of the famous Wullar Lake, located in the Puthshay area, is rapidly transforming into a dumping site.
This follows a similar situation at Zalwan, which locals termed the failure of local authorities to enforce effective solid waste management measures.
A visit to the site revealed heaps of foul-smelling garbage dumped along the lake’s edge, causing significant inconvenience to residents and marring the beauty of the area, which is located near the proposed site for the fruit mandi.
The situation is aggravated by stray dogs scavenging through the waste, posing a safety risk to people passing by. “Many people have been bitten by these dogs in recent times,” said Muhammad Amin, a local resident.
He recalled a time when the area was cleaner, with boats moored along the shore, but lamented how the place has deteriorated over the years. “The garbage has spread everywhere, and while the authorities are responsible, people’s careless behaviour is also to blame,” he added.
He also noted that the location’s proximity to the Bandipora-Sopore road worsens the problem.
Adding to the environmental degradation, locals said that dead animals are frequently dumped here, further contaminating the area.
Saleem Dar, another resident, expressed concern over the government’s inaction despite multiple complaints. “The administration is spending large sums of money trying to clean the lake, but people keep polluting it,” he said.
He warned that toxic substances from the waste could dissolve into the water, posing a severe threat to the lake’s ecosystem. Dar urged that proper scientific methods be adopted to manage and treat the waste effectively.
Locals also blamed the general public for contributing to the pollution. “If the people who live here don’t protect Wullar Lake, who else will?” questioned a group of residents.
They called on the administration to impose strict penalties on those responsible for dumping waste, stressing that such action is crucial to prevent further damage to the lake.
Residents said the Rural Development Department (RDD) has been involved in cleanup efforts for several weeks, but without public cooperation and stricter enforcement, these efforts are unlikely to bring lasting relief.
An official said that he will look into the matter. (KNO)
