Bandipora, Feb 03 (KNO): Bonakoot, a serene village in Bandipora, is grappling with a growing environmental crisis as piles of waste are being dumped along the shores of the Madhumati stream, residents said here on Monday.
The stream, once renowned for its clear waters and as a habitat for trout, is now at the center of a serious pollution issue that threatens both public health and the local ecosystem.
Locals express deep concern as heaps of plastic, discarded household items and other waste have accumulated along the stream’s banks. "Every morning, I walk along the stream, and all I see is garbage," said Mohammad Rafiq, a local resident.
“The once-beautiful stream is now a dumping ground. It’s heart-breaking to see our environment being destroyed like this,” he added.
“Even the fish are disappearing,” he said, adding that the pollution is killing aquatic life.
Public health is another major concern. Residents fear the contamination of water sources used for drinking and irrigation. "We are worried about diseases. People are using water from the stream, and we have heard of skin infections spreading," said, a health worker in the village. "The authorities must act fast before things get worse."
Despite the growing concerns, the issue remains largely unaddressed. Local authorities have yet to implement any substantial measures to tackle the waste disposal problem.
"We have raised the issue with the authorities multiple times," said Mushtaq Ahmad. "But nothing has changed. Our children play near the stream, and the garbage is a constant threat to their health."
They appealed to the district administration to address the matter as soon as possible to prevent further environmental damage to the stream.
Meanwhile, an official stated that a team will be sent to the site to assess the situation, and strict action will be taken against those responsible for littering the water body—(KNO)