From Lifeline To Waste Drain: The Tragic Decline Of Zaingair Canal

Once celebrated as a lifeline of north Kashmir, the Zaingair Canal stood as a symbol of prosperity, sustenance, and harmony between nature and human need. For decades, this canal served as a major source of irrigation, breathing life into vast agricultural lands and supporting the livelihoods of countless farmers. Its clear waters nourished crops, provided a home for local aquatic life, and even served as a clean water source for communities living along its banks. It was a testament to effective water management and a vital artery in the region’s socio-economic fabric.

However, what was once a source of pride and sustenance has, tragically, descended into a shocking state of neglect and pollution. The Zaingair Canal, once flowing with pristine waters, now often resembles an open sewer, choked with plastic waste, industrial effluent, and domestic garbage. The vibrant ecosystem it once supported has been decimated, replaced by a foul stench and an alarming array of pollutants that threaten public health and ecological balance.

The transformation is heartbreaking. Farmers who once relied on its waters are now forced to seek alternative, often expensive, irrigation methods, or face the grim reality of contaminated crops. The aesthetic beauty of the landscape has been marred, and the very communities who once cherished it are now grappling with its devastating consequences.

So, what went wrong? The story of the Zaingair Canal’s decline is a complex tale of unchecked urbanization, lack of civic responsibility, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and perhaps, a collective amnesia about the importance of this natural resource.

“The canal can only be saved when those who live along it decide to protect it.”

— Waseem Akhter Dar

Waseem Akhter Dar’s poignant observation cuts to the heart of the matter. The future of the Zaingair Canal doesn’t lie solely in government policies or grand clean-up drives, but significantly in the hands of the people it serves. It requires a fundamental shift in mindset, a renewed sense of ownership, and a collective commitment to stewardship.

Reviving the Zaingair Canal is not just about environmental conservation; it’s about restoring a piece of Kashmir’s heritage, securing the livelihoods of its people, and safeguarding the health of its communities. It’s a call to action for every individual, every household, and every local body along its course to reclaim their lifeline from the clutches of waste and neglect. Only then can the Zaingair Canal truly return to its former glory, flowing once again as a symbol of life, not as a drain of despair.

Source: Original Article