Environmental News

Across the Valley, several water bodies that were once declared “dead” or beyond revival are showing remarkable signs of recovery—clearer water, returning birdlife, rejuvenated springs, and renewed community engagement. At the heart of this revival is a dedicated environmental group whose grassroots approach has turned environmental despair into collective hope. A Crisis Years in the Making Kashmir’s lakes and wetlands—such as Dal Lake, Wular, Anchar, Hokersar, and numerous lesser-known ponds and springs—are not merely scenic landmarks. They regulate floods, recharge groundwater, support livelihoods, and sustain local ecosystems. However, decades of neglect left them vulnerable. Untreated sewage flowed freely into lakes. Plastic waste accumulated along banks. Wetlands were reclaimed for construction. Natural water channels were blocked. Springs that once supplied drinking water to villages vanished silently. What made the crisis worse was a growing sense of helplessness—many believed the damage was irreversible. The Group That Chose to Act Amid this grim backdrop, an environment group—comprising conservationists, scientists, students, and local volunteers—decided to challenge the narrative of loss. Rather than waiting for large-scale government intervention, they focused on community-driven, science-backed restoration. Their work began modestly: mapping dying water bodies, documenting pollution sources, and educating nearby residents about the long-term consequences of neglect. What set them apart was persistence. Cleanup drives were repeated, not symbolic. Restoration plans were tailored to each site rather than following a one-size-fits-all model. Restoring Nature, Step by Step The group’s efforts combined traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation techniques. Blocked natural inlets and outlets were reopened to restore water flow. Invasive weeds were removed manually to prevent chemical damage. Native vegetation was replanted along banks to stabilise soil and improve water quality. Perhaps most importantly, sewage discharge points were identified and diverted, reducing direct contamination. In spring zones, catchment areas were protected to allow groundwater recharge. Slowly, water levels stabilised. Clarity improved. Aquatic life began to return. In some revived wetlands, migratory birds—absent for years—have started to reappear, a strong indicator of ecological recovery. Community at the Core The success of the revival lies not just in environmental engineering but in community participation. The group actively involved local residents, fishermen, students, and shopkeepers, helping them see water bodies not as dumping grounds but as shared heritage. Workshops, awareness walks, and school programmes fostered a sense of ownership. In several areas, local volunteers now monitor water quality, prevent encroachments, and organise periodic cleanups without external prompting. This shift—from dependence to stewardship—has proven crucial in ensuring that revived water bodies remain protected. More Than Environmental Impact The revival has brought tangible social and economic benefits. Cleaner lakes and streams have improved local microclimates, reduced foul odours, and enhanced groundwater availability. In some areas, livelihoods linked to fishing and eco-tourism are slowly returning. Equally significant is the psychological impact. Seeing a once-polluted lake regain life has restored public faith in conservation. It has shown that environmental damage, while severe, is not always permanent if action is timely and collective. A Model for the Future As climate change intensifies and water scarcity looms, the Valley’s revived water bodies stand as living proof that grassroots environmental action can deliver real results. The group’s work is now being cited as a model for sustainable restoration—one that prioritises local involvement, respects natural systems, and focuses on long-term protection rather than short-term fixes. Their journey underscores a powerful lesson: saving nature does not always require massive infrastructure or distant policies. Sometimes, it begins with a few determined individuals, a shared sense of responsibility, and the belief that even dying ecosystems deserve a second chance. In the gentle ripples of revived lakes and the steady flow of reborn springs, the Kashmir Valley is rediscovering not just its waters—but its connection to nature itself.

The Achan Garbage Disposal Site, located on the outskirts of Srinagar, has long been a cause of serious concern for residents, environmentalists, and public health experts. Established decades ago as the primary dumping ground for the city’s municipal waste, the site has grown into a massive landfill that now poses a significant threat to human health, natural ecosystems, and the overall environmental balance of the Kashmir Valley. Every day, hundreds of tons of mixed waste—ranging from household garbage and plastic waste to biomedical refuse and construction debris—are dumped at Achan with little to no scientific segregation. Over the years, the landfill has expanded beyond its intended capacity, turning into a towering mound of decomposing waste. The absence of modern waste-processing infrastructure, such as effective recycling units and scientific landfill management systems, has worsened the situation. One of the most alarming consequences of the Achan landfill is the release of toxic leachate. This dark, foul-smelling liquid seeps through layers of garbage and penetrates the soil, contaminating nearby water bodies and groundwater sources. Residents living in surrounding areas fear that this contamination has already entered drinking water supplies, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases and long-term health complications. Medical professionals have repeatedly warned about rising cases of respiratory problems, skin allergies, gastrointestinal illnesses, and other chronic conditions among people living near the site. Air pollution is another major issue emanating from the garbage dump. The continuous decomposition of organic waste releases harmful gases such as methane and ammonia into the atmosphere. At times, spontaneous fires break out within the landfill, releasing thick smoke and toxic fumes that spread across nearby neighborhoods. These emissions not only cause breathing difficulties but also contribute to climate change, as methane is a potent greenhouse gas. The environmental impact extends beyond human settlements. The landfill is located close to ecologically sensitive wetland areas, which are vital for biodiversity and flood control in the region. Toxic runoff and plastic waste threaten local flora and fauna, disrupt bird habitats, and degrade soil quality. Stray animals, birds, and insects feeding on the waste further spread contamination, increasing the risk of disease transmission across a wider area. Despite repeated public protests, expert warnings, and directives from environmental authorities, progress toward a permanent solution has been slow. While authorities have proposed waste-to-energy projects and scientific waste management plans, implementation remains inconsistent. Many residents believe that temporary measures such as partial capping or spraying chemicals do little to address the root cause of the problem. The crisis at Achan reflects a larger issue of urban waste mismanagement in Srinagar. Rapid population growth, increased consumption, and inadequate civic infrastructure have placed enormous pressure on the city’s waste disposal systems. Without urgent intervention, the landfill will continue to expand, compounding health risks and environmental damage. Environmental activists and civil society groups are calling for immediate action, including scientific closure of the existing landfill, establishment of decentralized waste processing units, strict waste segregation at source, and increased public awareness. They emphasize that sustainable waste management is not only a civic responsibility but also a moral obligation to protect Kashmir’s fragile ecosystem and the health of future generations. The situation at the Achan Garbage Site serves as a stark reminder that neglecting environmental issues can have long-lasting and irreversible consequences. Addressing this crisis requires coordinated efforts from government authorities, local bodies, and citizens alike to ensure a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Srinagar.