Jhelum and the lessons learnt

Lately, a new optimism has been felt as people are taking keen interest in environment. One reason may be the devastation seen and huge losses suffered during the floods of 2014. From parks to public places, shopping malls to government buildings, rivers to wetlands, etc., people have started to take keen interest in most matters of public importance. The most discussed topic in the course is River Jhelum and how it poses a challenge post floods. This was evident from the fear and threat perception after intermittent rains recorded some time ago. In order to stay clear of problems of such nature, the people of Kashmir and the government have to work hand-in-hand. It makes it all the more necessary for further cooperation between the governors and the governed.

River Jhelum

River Jhelum, sometimes called the lifeline of Kashmir valley, supports human population and a number of organisms that include species of fish, animals, amphibians, plant life and essential microorganisms. For centuries this river has been nourishing life, bringing with it immense wealth in the form of food and water. This fresh water river fed by snow of Pir Panchal Range flows from south Kashmir to north, with human settlements on either side of its banks.  Along its course, that curves and coils and presents some fantastic faces of nature, like springs of Verinag and the lake at Wular, river Jhelum is prominent among the contributors that make up the idyllic beauty of the Vale. Apart from aesthetics, the river plays an important role in sustaining life throughout Kashmir. Its waters are primarily used to irrigate the fields all along the course of the river and even to regions that are far but connected with channels. Many small towns and settlements on its banks are still dependent on the river for washing and cleansing purposes. Sadly, large number of drains empty into the river and take away part of the sewage with it.

Encroachments

Human settlements on either side of the banks of Jhelum over the years have been moving closer to the river. The encroachment has been to the extent that at some places people are said to have even put the bund area inside their housing perimeter walls. When the floods hit Srinagar these walls came down and people could see how far people had gone. Failure of law enforcement agencies in addition to the lack of interest of political leaders had increased the risk factor exponentially. Permissions have been given to people to build houses close to the river when the law imposes a strict ban with punitive action. Violators have used kah charai to serve their own interests and purpose. Whereas some have build houses, there are others who have been using the land marked for kah charai for plantation of trees whose wood can be sold in marked or used at home.

 

Pollution

It is said that Jhelum’s water once used to be used for drinking purposes. Today, no one would dare to even take a sip and people even refrain from the contact. The drains emptying into Jhelum has given it a bad attribute. Human waste emptied into the river and garbage dumped on the banks pose a serious challenge not only to the river but a number of living organisms. Among the pollutants, the most harmful are chemical or synthetic waste that increases the toxicity levels of the water of Jhelum.

Health Issues and Diseases

As per one health related opinion, if Jhelum continues to be polluted the day is not far when it will become source for some water-borne diseases. These diseases can spread across the valley as the water flows from north end to the south. As history records, the polluted banks of the river had wrecked havocs with diseases like cholera that resulted in loss of lives in thousands. The health concern is a serious issue and before things go wrong the administration has to fix it.

Flood Fertility

The alluvial soil brought by river Jhelum, especially floods, earlier was believed to be nourishing to the farmlands. It enriched the ground and therefore resulted in high yield of crops in farms located near the banks of this river. However, the 2014 floods not only brought the alluvium but also carried chemical substances that were stored by people inside and outside their houses. Fuel like kerosene oil, diesel and petrol that float on water were found at many places making the water hazardous. Even that fertility factor is lost.

Dredging Sand Mining

Myth has it that when the water of Jhelum had to evacuated a plan was conceived as people would not dig or excavate the river basin. Some sage or king dropped gold coins and people lured by greed jumped in the river and removed all obstacles. The exact tale may be slightly different, but it makes an interesting point. Devastating floods were stopped by building strong embankments along the river. Unfortunately, these embankments were not repaired before the floods. To make the situation worse dredging and excavation of soil from the river has not been done properly. To what extent have these excavations been necessary and what after-effects they pose has never been a subject of study. Sand mining of river Jhelum continues at full vigour. It has become commercialized now, more or less with a legal sanction. Previously, only a particular class was in that trade. With the help of heavy boats and goodwill of authorities these people have sold the sand of river Jhelum to all constructions that you can see around. The profits have encouraged sand mafia, people who invest by buying boats and pay workers on daily basis. The sand excavated is put alongside at specified places that are looked after by local residents. Jhelum’s sand is free, and people are taking it by heaps. Ironically, concerned departments have put small mobile boat like offices in the river for one purpose only, to take the share from sand miners. It is illegal but goes with audacity.

Best plans

The best plan that government has been able to come up with in this age where miracles can happen in days and weeks – the plans are construction of parks and putting benches and lamp posts. Jhelum and the challenges it poses need a far bigger plan with cooperation from all. The encroachments have to be taken care of. The land marked for kah charai has to be restored.

Jhelum needs the support of people, to free it from ill-will that should have been checked by law enforcement agencies. It is vital to humans as well as diverse beings supported by this river.

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