Panzath spring in south Kashmir face official apathy
Govt has no plans to develop the site, say officials
Anantnag: The lesser known Panzath spring in Qazigund belt in south Kashmir is one of the largest springs in Kashmir but the spring is on the verge of extinction owing to the apathy this water body faces.
The place presents a breathtaking view and can become one of the best tourist spot in the valley if authorities try to develop the place to attract people and tourists alike.
Derived from the word ‘Paanch Hath’ the Kashmiri numeral for five hundred, Panzath spring is source of water to many smaller springs but the main spring has lost its pristine glory due to official apathy and negligence of the locals.
Panzath spring is located hardly a kilometer away from the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and is surrounded by lush green trees and used to be major attraction for the tourists.
“The place is highly polluted now,” said a local, Mohammad Ayub, adding that no government official has ever bothered to come here and work out a plan to develop this place as a tourist attraction.
As per locals, Panzath’s main spring is Nagbal, which is located near the shrine of Sufi saint Sheikh Aftab (RA).
They said Panzath spring at present is providing drinking water to around 50 nearby villages through a water supply scheme announced and implemented by the government.
“This spring is also known for trout hatcheries, but it has lost its glory due to pollution for which both government as well as public is equally responsible,” Aaqib Ahmad, another local resident, said.
He said that sewage flowing from various outlets continues to flow into the main spring and it poses serious threat to the spring but neither the government nor the locals are taking any step to save this breathtaking site besides source water to many government run schemes.
“Water level of the spring decreases with each passing day and it needs immediate attention, otherwise we may lose this site and source of water forever,” said another local.
“It needs proper attention at an earliest and if it will be developed as a tourist spot, it can generate employment for many people here,” he added.
Te locals requested the tourism department to take up the upkeep and maintenance of the spring and save it from facing extinction.
When contacted, Director Tourism Kashmir, Nissar Ahmad Wani said that as of now the government has no plan to work on the site and develop it as a tourist spot.
