Irrigation canal turns dumping site in Shopian, allege locals
Partial clean-up failed to resolve crisis as foul smell, stagnant water raise health concerns
Shopian: An irrigation canal passing through Darbagh in Shopian district and Zahid Bagh in Pulwama has turned into a major dumping site, with residents alleging official apathy despite repeated complaints and worsening sanitary conditions.
Locals said the canal, once a vital source of irrigation for agricultural fields in the area, has remained largely defunct since the devastating 2014 floods damaged a siphon bridge that supplied water downstream. Since then, the canal has neither been properly restored nor maintained, gradually turning into a stagnant and polluted stretch.
In an attempt to address the issue, authorities in May 2020 laid a pipeline to divert canal water into the Ranbiara river. However, residents claim that the pipes installed were too narrow to allow adequate water flow.
“Only a negligible amount of water could pass through, and that too for a very short period. The system failed within days,” said a local, recounting the failed intervention.
Over the years, the unused canal has become a dumping ground for waste, including polythene, plastic, paper, and even medical refuse. Locals said that in addition to solid waste, wastewater from nearby households—particularly from bathrooms—is being discharged directly into the canal, compounding the problem.
“The stagnant water and continuous dumping have made life miserable. The foul smell is unbearable, especially during warmer days,” said Yasir Ahmad, a resident of the area. He added that the condition of the canal poses serious inconvenience for pedestrians and those living nearby.
Residents further pointed out that although a portion of the canal was cleaned last year, the effort was limited and failed to address the larger issue. “Only a small stretch was cleared, while the majority remains choked with garbage. The situation today is as bad as ever,” said another local.
Abdul Rashid Ganaie another resident, warned that the accumulation of waste and stagnant water could lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases. “This is not just an environmental issue but a public health hazard. If immediate steps are not taken, it could have serious consequences,” he said.
The locals also acknowledged that some residents are contributing to the problem by indiscriminately dumping waste into the canal. However, they stressed that the absence of strict monitoring and enforcement by authorities has allowed the situation to spiral out of control.
Despite repeated representations to the concerned departments, residents allege that no substantial or long-term measures have been taken. They have now appealed to higher authorities to intervene and initiate a comprehensive clean-up and restoration plan.
Officials, meanwhile, admitted that improper waste disposal and lack of civic sense among the public are major contributors to the issue. They cautioned that continued dumping of waste into water bodies can have severe environmental and health impacts.
Assuring action, officials said that the canal will be cleaned soon and appealed to the public to refrain from throwing waste into it.
“Public cooperation is essential. Without responsible behavior, such problems will persist despite government efforts,” they said.
