Baramulla, Dec 4:: The inhabitants of Baramulla have criticised the district administration for its failure to stop the dumping of garbage and other waste on the Jhelum banks.
 “Jhelum, also called the lifeline of Kashmir has been of huge importance to the people of Kashmir, particularly for the inhabitants of the Baramulla. The river banks used to remain abuzz with all the business activities during the pre-partition era as all the essential commodities that were used to be transported from Punjab Pakistan, to the Valley were unloaded at Azad Gunj in Baramulla and then transported to the rest of Kashmir. However, these banks have now been turned into garbage dumping sites which emanates foul smell making the movement of people difficult,” the residents said adding both biodegradable and non-biodegradable material could be seen floating in the river. 
 According to the residents, huge piles of garbage have been dumped on the banks from Khwaja Bagh to Khadinyar. “Many sewerage outlets also open on the river bank and pollute the Jhelum,” the residents said adding the waste from slaughter houses, vegetable shops are also dumped into the river near Jhelum market and Government Transport Yard Bridge.
 The inhabitants complained that expired medicines and used syringes are also dumped on the banks. “Many a times, children are seen playing with the syringes and collecting the expired drugs,” the inhabitants said, adding the dumping of such waste could prove fatal.
 “The officials of Pollution Control Board have turned blind eye towards the issue and haven’t done anything substantial to stop the dumping of such waster on the banks,” the people alleged.
 Various measures announced by the authorities to restore the pristine glory of the Jhelum which includes its beautification have proved a damp squib. It was also decided that path ways will be developed on the banks up to the Gulnar Park so that people will enjoy walk along the river.
 However, the authorities have not been serious to take steps in this direction.  “The officials started plantation of saplings on the river banks, but after planting few, the project was left mid-way,” the residents alleged.

Lastupdate on : Sun, 4 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sun, 4 Dec 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Mon, 5 Dec 2011 00:00:00 IST