Sopore, Dec 27 (KNO): A dried section of the river Jhelum in Sopore has turned into a massive waste pit, with heaps of plastic crates, polythene and mixed garbage dumped into the riverbed. This has triggered severe outrage among residents who accuse the Municipal Council of looking the other way despite clear orders against such dumping.
Locals, speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the area, falling in Ward 15, has been gradually converted into a dumping ground as fishermen and others toss their waste directly into the dried portion, leaving the Jhelum’s lifeline choked with filth and an unbearable stench.
They alleged that a section of fishermen routinely throws discarded crates, packaging material and fish waste into the river after sorting their catch, instead of using designated collection points or bins.
Residents recalled that the Municipal Council had in the past issued directions warning of fines and other action against anyone found dumping waste into Jhelum or along its course, but said those orders remain largely unimplemented on the ground.
“The council put out notices and spoke about penalties, yet not a single habitual offender is seen being fined here; these orders exist only on paper while our river suffers," said a local traders' body, demanding visible enforcement drives.
It said the constant stink from the “waste site” is driving customers away and eating into their daily earnings. “Customers barely stand for a few minutes outside our shops; the foul odour from the garbage‑filled river stretch forces them to leave without buying anything,” said Mohammad Shafi, a shopkeeper facing the site.
Chief Executive Officer, MC Sopore, Wali Mohammad, acknowledged the issue, saying the council would take corrective steps.
“We will look into the matter on priority, identify the violators and launch a special sanitation drive to clear the waste along this stretch of the Jhelum,” the CEO told KNO. He assured that directions would be issued to the sanitation wing for immediate action—(KNO)