We need strategic protection and management of our water bodies. Jhelum River seems to be dying a slow death under the nose of the administration.

Jhelum River is the primary water body of the valley of Kashmir. But unfortunately, it has not been given its due importance by the locals as well as the administration from time to time. As a result, it is presenting a very dismal image these days. If God forbid, things would go like this, a day is bound to come when the river will breathe its last in the near future. We have to take responsibility for the water bodies.
At first, the primary responsibility lies on us as we have to be well aware of the importance of our water bodies which are our basic lifelines. If these lifelines are at risk, ultimately our life is in danger. It is extremely unfortunate that the locals living near these water bodies have rendered them into bins of trash with the drainage of their houses, plastic, and some dangerous non-biodegradable wastes. All this has threatened the existence of the water bodies quite alarmingly.
Also, the masses have encroached on the water bodies considerably either by constructions or by plantations. The previous governments largely watched the damage like a mute spectators. The administration cannot afford to ignore this alarming issue. The state government and the respective district administrations in their jurisdictions should come up with some solid and strategic plans in order to save these water bodies. But unfortunately, the state government, as well as the district administrations, seemed to be in deep slumber because they did not play their part which was required of them. Rather, it all happened under their nose. The fact is that government departments become parties to the damage of our water bodies on different pretexts. Let me cite an example here to prove my point.
Is it not the fact that the whole drainage of Srinagar City finds its ultimate way to the Jhelum ? Talk about the households living around the Dal Lake, their drainage and other wastes ultimately go to the Jhelum .In every area, the river is used for garbage disposal. Now, see the drainage of Downtown Srinagar. Is there any other ‘alternative’ available with the administration other than the Jhelum? All the drainage of these households snakes to the river. Sadly, everybody seems to have forgotten that in earlier times, the Jhelum River was believed to be sacred from a religious point of view and its water were quite pure and clear. Besides, the wastes from the commercial establishments of the city also find their way to the river which makes its water more ‘poisonous’. Leaving the city aside, talk about different towns and villages which are living on the banks of the river. They are also using it for their drainage and waste disposal. The respective district administrations are watching this happen silently.
Jhelum River became a source of income for successive governments. If I am allowed to say, let me tell you with certainty that the river has become a source of income for successive governments from time to time. Over the years, we have seen this pattern. One government would start implementing one policy for the so-called conservation of the river; the other government would nullify the previous orders for its own interests, least caring for its strategic protection and management. Had the previous governments would have been really serious about these water bodies, they would have come up with a solid alternative. But unfortunately, this practice has been in vogue for decades.
The Lieutenant Governor-led administration seems to be sincere in saving our water bodies. Now there seems a ray of hope from this administration which is working hard to restore the water bodies using novel scientific methods by taking help from all available men and machinery. But unless and until the government does not come up with an alternative to the drainage and waste disposal of the households and the commercial establishments, the water bodies especially the Jhelum River seem to be in danger. We shall not be able to undo the damage later. The damage will not be averted later if not now. Also, people have to understand the fact that we exist because of these water bodies. Once their existence is at stake, we will automatically cease to exist.
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Mool Raj