Anantnag, May 16 — Large quantities of waste dumped near the banks of the Lidder River in the Sarbal area of Pahalgam are raising fears of environmental damage and contamination of drinking water sources, with residents and environmental activists demanding immediate intervention from authorities.
Locals said garbage generated by hotels, restaurants, residential areas and commercial establishments is accumulating around the waste management site near the river, while damaged fencing at the facility is allowing waste material and polluted runoff to flow directly into the Lidder, especially during rainfall.
“Heaps of garbage can be seen lying scattered around the plant, and with every spell of rain, dirty water and other pollutants from the waste piles get washed into the river,” a resident said. “The location of the dumping site itself is highly inappropriate. The waste and contaminated liquid directly enter the Lidder River, which is a source of drinking water for dozens of water supply schemes across Anantnag district.”
Residents said the government had set up a waste management plant at Sarbal for scientific disposal of waste, but alleged that poor maintenance and lack of safeguards have rendered the system ineffective on the ground.
Another resident warned that unchecked dumping near the river could lead to serious environmental degradation and increase the risk of water-borne diseases among people dependent on river water for drinking and household use.
“We are not only talking about pollution of a river but the destruction of an entire ecosystem. Thousands of people depend on this water downstream. If immediate measures are not taken, the consequences could be irreversible,” he said.
Environmental activists also questioned the absence of adequate waste treatment infrastructure despite rapid commercial expansion in the tourist destination.
“There should be proper facilities and infrastructure for the disposal and treatment of waste. If such facilities are not available, then on what basis are hundreds of hotels, guest houses and other structures being allowed to come up every year in Pahalgam?” an activist said.
They said Pahalgam has witnessed a sharp increase in tourist footfall in recent years, but waste management systems have failed to keep pace with the growth.
Locals alleged that despite repeated complaints and growing public concern, authorities have failed to take effective measures to address the issue.
Residents urged the administration to shift the dumping site away from the riverbanks, repair and strengthen fencing around the waste management facility, and ensure scientific disposal and treatment of waste to safeguard the Lidder River and downstream communities.
They warned that continued neglect could affect public health, tourism and the ecological balance of the region.
Chief Executive Officer of the Pahalgam Development Authority, Mir Nasrool Hilal Jeri, said the matter falls under the municipal committee.
“I will still look into it,” he said.