Sahil Manzoor Bhatti
Clear, crystal-clear rivers are meant to quench our thirst, not to be polluted or used recklessly for swimming. Nature is benevolent, but at times it can also be very dreadful. It is heartbreaking that during the current year, a number of drowning incidents have been reported from different places.
Every year, such heart-wrenching incidents occur. Bathing in large water bodies should be permanently banned, and stringent action should be taken against those who pollute and dirty natural resources. These resources possess a unique beauty; their flowing water, serenity, and charm are always at their peak. Humans should never turn such natural resources into bathtubs or swimming pools.
Nature is incredible
It leaves nothing stationary. It calls you, pampers you, makes you happy. Nature bestows upon us mesmerizing surroundings. It is beautiful, joyful, limitless, and full of mysteries. It attracts, enchants, and sometimes terrifies. It can bring catastrophe, demolish great structures, silence the noisiest moments, or compel a scream from the quietest soul.
From a religious perspective, everything that happens is under the supervision of the Almighty. Life and death are not random—each moment, even the rustling of leaves, occurs only by His will, as described in the Holy Quran. So why do we worry? Why do we fear what is already destined?
The answer, though simple, carries deep wisdom: we have a duty to act responsibly. The Almighty has commanded us to take safety measures and protect ourselves and others. We are not permitted to be careless or ignorant. Crying and shouting in moments of regret will not change what was avoidable through preparation and awareness.
Heat, summer, and the shift toward risk
Kashmir lies in the extreme north, and we are accustomed to bitter cold. During Chillai Kalan—from December 21 to the end of January—temperatures dip as low as -15°C. Yet we endure it with proper arrangements: traditional timber ovens, hammams, and layered winter clothing. Winters, though harsh, are peaceful, and the snow-laden forests and towering mountains reflect the divine beauty of the region.
But summer, starting around June 21 until September 21, presents a new challenge. Between June and late July, the valley experiences scorching heat, especially in urban areas. With few green spaces or cooling infrastructure, people often turn to public parks for relief. Sadly, many of these parks have been replaced with commercial spaces like parking lots.
In the 1990s, Iqbal Park served as a vital retreat for residents from Solina, Sarai Bala, Half Chinar, and surrounding areas. Just a few kilometers from the Zabarwan Mountains, it provided free access to fresh air and open space. Today, with entry fees imposed even on locals, many feel excluded. Development should unite the people—not foster divisions based on affordability.
The rush toward water — and the danger that follows
To escape the heat, youth from cities flock to villages, where glacial streams and clear water bodies offer natural relief. These rivers, sourced from melting glaciers, rush with terrifying force—like water driven by powerful motors. Though visually appealing, they are extremely dangerous.
Drowning incidents in Kashmir are steadily rising. These aren’t isolated accidents—they happen year after year. The key reason? Lack of proactive safety measures. We often react after tragedies, rather than act in advance—be it in road safety, infrastructure, or water-related risks.
Case study: Raiyar-Ich, Budgam
The residents of Bhatti Mohallah, Raiyar-Ich, Khansahib (Budgam) have been urging the government for over ten years to construct a mini-connectivity bridge. Despite repeated appeals, nothing has been done.
Recently, a minor girl and a 20-year-old biker narrowly escaped drowning in a canal at the same site. The community had already submitted a formal request to the district administration and even filed a written complaint at Police Station Khansahib. Yet, the danger remains.
Without proper infrastructure, the area remains a hazard. A connectivity bridge must be constructed immediately to prevent future tragedies. Authorities must act before more lives are lost.
What needs to be done?
To prevent further loss of life, the following steps are essential:
1. Ban open-river bathing in tourist areas.
The administration should impose a strict seasonal ban on bathing in high-risk water bodies, particularly at Shali Ganga (Doodhpathri), Lidder River (Pahalgam), Dal Lake (Srinagar), Jhelum River (across various districts).
These sites must be under CCTV surveillance, with fines or penalties for violations.
2. Develop public swimming pools
Each district should have affordable, accessible swimming pools. Swimming must be taught not only for safety, but also to promote sports and recreation in water-based activities.
3. Launch public awareness campaigns
Through schools, mosques, social media, and community halls, the government should educate the public—especially young people—about drowning risks, safety practices, and emergency response.
4. Protect and respect water bodies
Open defecation, littering, and pollution of rivers degrade not just the environment, but also community health. Our rivers are lifelines for thousands of villages—supporting drinking water, irrigation, and ecology. It’s our moral duty to keep them clean and pollution-free.
The rising number of drowning incidents in the Kashmir Valley is a tragedy that can be prevented. These deaths are not inevitable. They are the result of neglect—both individual and institutional.
Nature is a gift—but only when respected. With careful planning, awareness, and infrastructure, we can save lives and create a safer, cleaner, more compassionate Kashmir.
Let us not wait for another innocent life to be lost.
Let us act now.
(The author is a freelancer and can be reached at [email protected])
