Loosing life-giving water sources
By: Tawheed Parvaiz Bhat
Kashmir, often called “Paradise on Earth,” is a land bestowed by Allah with immense natural beauty. Majestic snow-capped mountains, lush green valleys, and pristine water bodies make this region a marvel of nature. Among its many wonders, the springs of Kashmir stand out as the true pearls of this paradise.
These life-giving water sources have historically been the backbone of Kashmiri life, providing not only drinking water but also spiritual and cultural significance. However, in recent times, the fate of these springs has taken a tragic turn, transforming from symbols of purity to sources of contamination and diseases.
Kashmir is home to numerous springs that dot its towns and villages. These springs have been a lifeline for centuries, supplying clean and fresh drinking water to local communities. The most famous and breathtaking springs of Kashmir include Habakathoon Spring (Gurez), Varinag Spring, Achbal Spring, Cashmeshahe Spring, Maliknag Spring Seven Springs of Gulmarg and many more.
Each of these springs has its own unique history, charm, and significance. If Kashmir is a necklace, then these springs are the precious pearls that adorn it. However, the beauty and importance of these natural wonders are rapidly fading due to human negligence and environmental degradation.
The Role of springs in Kashmiri Life
Just a few decades ago, the springs of Kashmir were in full charm, adding to the valley’s scenic beauty and playing an essential role in daily life. They provided clean, cool water during the scorching summers, eliminating the need for refrigeration. In winters, the same springs miraculously provided warm water, reducing the need for boiling. Women would gather around these springs to wash clothes, while young boys would take refreshing baths under the natural showers created outside them.
The water from these springs was known for its purity, with almost 100% cleanliness. Moreover, many springs held spiritual and religious significance, and people believed in their healing properties.
The Downfall of Kashmir’s springs
With the passage of time, these springs began to lose their charm. Encroachments by locals, increased pollution, and lack of conservation efforts turned these once-pristine water bodies into mere remnants of their past. What were once the pearls of Kashmir have now become contaminated skeletons, filled with waste and chemicals?
The recent tragic incident in Badhal village of Jammu, where several people lost their lives due to consuming contaminated spring water, serves as a wake-up call for the entire region. Doctors identified Organophosphate, a chemical used in pesticides, as the probable cause of the deaths. This revelation led the government to order water testing across Jammu and Kashmir. Shockingly, ten springs in the Ganderbal district alone were found to be contaminated with harmful pesticides.
The primary reason behind the contamination of Kashmiri springs is the excessive use of pesticides and chemicals in agriculture. The valley’s economy heavily relies on apple orchards, saffron fields, and other crops, leading to the widespread use of herbicides and insecticides. Chemicals such as Atrazine, Bentazone, Fipronil, Glyphosate are being used without regulation.
These chemicals easily dissolve in water, increasing levels of ammonium, nitrate, and sulphate, making the water hazardous for both humans and aquatic life. Pesticides are highly toxic and have both chronic and acute effects on human health, leading to diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, and organ failures. Most Kashmiri springs are surrounded by orchards and agricultural lands. When it rains, these pesticides get washed away and seep into the water sources, contaminating them beyond repair.
The Negligence and Responsibility of Locals
One of the biggest questions that arise is: Who is responsible for this destruction?Are outsiders deliberately polluting Kashmir’s water bodies? Or is it the locals themselves who are failing to protect these precious resources? The bitter truth is that we, the people of Kashmir, are responsible for the degradation of our own natural heritage. Instead of protecting our springs, we have turned them into dumping grounds for plastic waste, garbage, and chemicals.
Despite government policies and fines for pollution, these measures remain largely ineffective due to lack of awareness and enforcement. Tourists visit Kashmir expecting to witness the beauty of its springs and rivers, but what they see is heartbreaking. Instead of crystal-clear water, they witness polluted pools filled with waste. If this continues, future generations will only read about Kashmir’s springs in history books, never experiencing their beauty firsthand.
The Need for Immediate Action
If we wish to save these pearls of Kashmir, we must act now. Some urgent steps include:
- Regulating the Use of Pesticides: Farmers must be educated about the dangers of excessive pesticide use. Organic farming and alternative pest control methods should be encouraged.
- Spring Conservation Programs: Government and local communities must launch restoration projects to clean and protect springs.
- Strict Pollution Control: Fines and legal action should be strictly enforced against those who pollute water bodies.
- Raising Awareness: Schools, mosques, and community centers should educate people about the importance of keeping water sources clean.
- Tourism Responsibility: Tourists must be informed about proper waste disposal to prevent further pollution.
Kashmir’s springs are more than just water sources—they are the lifeblood of the valley. They have quenched the thirst of generations, served as gathering spots for communities, and added to the natural beauty of the region. If we continue to neglect them, we will lose not only a vital resource but also a piece of our identity.
It is time to stop blaming others and take responsibility for our actions. By making conscious efforts to protect our springs, we can ensure that future generations experience Kashmir as it was meant to be—a paradise on Earth, adorned with the shimmering pearls of its springs.
(The author is Teacher by profession)
