Islamabad (Anantnag): Known for its mighty chinars and gushing sulphur springs, the famous Sherbagh garden here is fast losing its grandeur due to official apathy.
 Till a few years ago the garden was a favorite haunt of locals and tourists. “I vividly remember that the garden was dotted with flowers and lush green grass. The shade of chinars provided a soothing ambience to visitors. However due to official neglect the garden has lost its sheen in past few years,” the locals said.
 Presently heaps of garbage emanating pungent smell is dumped at many places in Sherbagh. The Nagbal springs in the garden have been chocked by dumping of tons of polythene. In absence of any monitoring, people even wash clothes near these springs polluting them with noxious detergents.
 “Sherbagh is maintained by Auqaf Committee but its management is acting as mute spectator to garden’s condition,” said Riyaz Shah, a local.
 Unlike other gardens in the Valley, a roofless masjid is situated in Sherbagh. A huge chinar tree serves as its canopy.
 “Many people loved to offer prayers in Sherbagh during summers due to its cool environs. But the foul smell emanating from garbage dumps prevents people from even standing there for a moment,” said Ghulam Qadir, a local.
 The locals said that the Auqaf Committee is mulling to erect a roof to cover the masjid. “This will spoil natural beauty of the garden. Instead of spending money on futile things, the Committee should focus on cleaning and maintaining the garden,” they said. 
 “Sherbagh is the essence of this town but its maintenance has been neglected,” said Shahid Malik, a local. People also demanded vacation of troopers from Sherbagh’s upper portion popularly called Andernag. A temple and a Gurdwara are also situated there. There are many tanks which remain dotted with fish. 
 ‘A concrete structure is coming up at Andernag portion of Sherbagh. This will vandalise the beautiful place. Authorities should wake up from deep slumber and take measures to restore Sherbagh’s glory,” the locals added.

Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 Jul 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 26 Jul 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 IST