Handwara, Sep 26: The shopkeepers have expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of Doigam Kul flowing within the main town Handwara in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
The shopkeepers told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that Doigam Kul was once considered the main water stream in the area, and is now slowly becoming a garbage dumping site.
“We have been working there for years now, but the authorities seem to be non-serious about keeping it clean and preventing it from becoming a garbage dumping site,” said Abdul Majid, a shopkeeper.
We have been approaching the concerned authorities for a long time now but our pleas seem to be falling on deaf ears, he said, adding that the water body must be cleaned at the earliest.
“We have even approached the Municipal Committee (MC) Handwara and were told that the canal is the responsibility of the Flood & Irrigation Control Department,” Majid said.
While raising health concerns, Abdul Ahad, another shopkeeper said all the waste and other dumping material is being put in the canal thus putting people’s lives at risk. “All the waste including plastic, bottles, sanitary waste, and other materials that are potential threats to health, are dumped here,” he said.
Aijaz Ahmad, a local, complained about the foul smell emanating from the canal. “This is close to the busiest market and the new bus stand Handwara which witnesses a huge rush of people on a daily basis,” he said.
An elderly person Qadir Ahmad said a masjid is located near the canal. “Apart from regular daily prayers, the Friday congregations are also held here. It becomes vital for the authorities to clean it as soon as possible,” he said.
The shopkeepers have urged the administration to clean Doigam Kul and take strict measures to prevent people from throwing waste into the canal—(KNO)
