Anantnag, Feb 16: Sounding the alarm over the decline in the water table and the drying up of Kashmir’s springs, Advocate Farooq Ahmad Ganai, also known as The Kachra Man of Kashmir, has expressed concern over the environmental degradation threatening these natural water sources.
“Once pristine and abundant, Kashmir’s springs are dying a silent death due to human neglect and environmental damage,” he said.
Ganai highlighted several key factors contributing to this decline. He pointed to plastic pollution as a major culprit, explaining that plastic waste has clogged waterways, contaminated springs, and severely affected aquatic life.
Another significant cause, he noted, is unchecked deforestation, which has disrupted the region’s delicate ecosystem, leading to soil erosion and reduced water retention.
Ganai, a waste warrior and environmental advocate for sustainable waste management, also emphasized the impact of climate change. Rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns, he said, have altered the natural water cycle, further stressing the region’s springs.
“The only mantra for sustainable waste management is source segregation and a shift in behavior,” he asserted. He warned that the continued use of polythene has led to severe health issues, as micro and nano plastics have entered the human body through various means, affecting the heart, kidneys, lungs, brain, and reproductive system.
Calling for immediate action, Ganai urged the people of Kashmir to recognize the seriousness of the situation and take proactive steps.
He proposed several solutions:
Reducing plastic use and waste to prevent further pollution.
Protecting and restoring forests by planting more trees to ensure water conservation.
“The future of our next generation is at stake,” he cautioned. “If we fail to act now, we risk losing our precious water sources, worsening environmental degradation, and endangering the well-being of our communities.”
Advocate Ganai also appealed to community members to join efforts to save Kashmir’s rivers and environment.
“Let us come together to protect Kashmir’s natural heritage. We owe it to ourselves, our children, and future generations,” he said, adding that the media plays a crucial role in raising awareness among the masses.–(KINS)
