Qaimoh, June 4: The inhabitants of Qaimoh are up in arms against the state government for its failure to check the rampant encroachments and pollution in the Vaishaw Nallah.
 The stream is being encroached and polluted with government acting as mute spectator. Illegal constructions dot the meandering banks of the stream in many areas of Kulgam district.
 Though a Water Resources Regulation Act providing executive powers to the Flood Control and Irrigation Department was passed in the Assembly, but no effort has been made to improve the streams water quality.
 Pertinently, under the Act, the authorities have the power to issue on the spot challan against the offenders indulging in illegal extraction and go for demolition without seeking permission from the law enforcement agencies.
 Construction of illegal structures, including concrete houses and toilets continue to galore on the banks of the stream at Ashmuji, Bhan, Sadoora Qaimoh, Khudwani, Ruhpora, Shamsipora, Tachlun, Tulkhun, Hassanpora, Redwani Bala, Redwani Payeen, Wanpora, Nowora and Arwani.
 The locals accuse the officials of being hand-in-glove with the encroachers.
 “It is ironical that despite our repeated pleas, the authorities did not take any action against the encroachers. Huge houses and toilets are being illegally constructed on the  bank of stream and there is nobody to check it. The illegal constructions mock at the Government’s claims of undertaking restoration of all rivers and streams. We will move to the Court to save the river,” the residents of Arwani told Greater Kashmir.
 Pointing towards the toilets on river banks, in Arwani  and adjoining areas, they said that few years ago, the spot was an open expanse of land. “It was a beautiful spot. We used to watch the water flow. People of the locality and its adjoining areas used to organize picnics and functions there. Now it has been encroached and turned into a garbage dump.”
 Besides the residents of Qaimoh, Khudwani, Redwani and adjoining areas say that the municipal authorities of Qaimoh also dump their wastes on the banks of Vaishaw nallah.
 The locals said a land mafia is behind the encroachment of the Vaishaw.
 The river banks have been turned into a junkyard with tons of polythene, cardboard, steel and other scavenged items dumped on it.
 Pungent smell has engulfed the whole locality near Vaishaw in Khudwani, Redwani, Ashmuji and other areas through which the Nallah passes as sewage of the illegal hutments directly flows into it. “If the government is serious, let it investigate as to how the bank of stream has been encroached and take action against the encroachers and concerned officials,” Sajjad Ahmad a resident of Khudwani told Greater Kashmir.
 Besides, raising structures thousands of trees have been planted on the banks in Ashmuji, Bhan, Redwani, Khudwani even as the stream continues to shrink.
 Environmentalists have expressed concern over deteriorating condition of Vaishaw. “Vaishaw was the main source of drinking water for many areas of Kulgam district. The present rate of pollution from inflowing drains of its catchments and dumping of garbage, including non-bio-degradable items has rendered its waters unfit for human consumption,” an environmentalist said.
 The residents are also demanding the repair of embankments of Vaishaw, as they say that the fear of flood threat loom large in the area.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 4 Jun 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 4 Jun 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 5 Jun 2012 00:00:00 IST