Famous Nagbal spring in Khrew losing its sheen, officials fail to act
Pulwama: Known for its crystal clear and cool water, the famed “Nagbal” spring in Khrew town of Pampore belt in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district has been losing its glory due to official apathy. The spring once a source of drinking water to many villages is facing extinction.
Locals said that Nagbal spring was known for fresh water and the whole area was using the water for drinking purposes. However, locals blame pollution mainly generated by various cement factories located in the area for polluting the spring.
Notably, besides providing drinking water to the locals the spring is the main source of irrigation for the orchards and paddy fields in the area.
“At present 60 percent of our irrigational needs in the area are dependend on this spring, however if efforts are not taken at an earliest, in coming years we will lose this and the only source of water,” the locals said.
“Ironically, heaps of garbage and polythene are lying in and around this spring and there is no one to care about this water body,” said Abdul Hamid, a local resident.
This spring was known for fishes as well however, due to pollution, their number has drastically come down and authorities as well people are watching as mute spectators, he said.
Locals said that Municipal committee Khrew is getting huge revenue from trucks that carry cement from the factories to other areas but they too haven’t taken any step for the development of this town and for preservation of this spring.
“We have been informing them time and again to take immediate steps for the preservation of this spring. We3 have assured them of peoples due cooperation as well in this regard. However, nothing was done on ground,” another local added.
The locals requested the higher ups to look into the issue and take immediate steps for the preservation of the famed spring.
Jahangeer Ganaie
