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The name ‘Panzath’ derives from the Kashmiri words Paanch (five) and Hath (hundred), referring to the village’s historical claim of having over 500 springs

Anantnag, Mar 3: Nestled just a few kilometres from Qazigund in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, the village of Panzath is home to some of Kashmir’s purest and most scenic springs, renowned for their rainbow trout.

The name ‘Panzath’ derives from the Kashmiri words Paanch (five) and Hath (hundred), referring to the village’s historical claim of having over 500 springs.

However, encroachment and pollution over the years have significantly degraded these pristine water bodies, threatening the aquatic life they sustain.

On Sunday morning, coinciding with the first day of the holy month of Ramadhan for Muslims, the village youth took matters into their own hands.

Determined to restore the springs to their former glory, they launched a cleanliness drive, collecting large amounts of waste, including plastic bottles, polythene bags, and other non-biodegradable materials.

Armed with gloves, masks, and trash bags, volunteers also cleared the springs of weeds and debris, allowing the water to flow freely once again.

“The sewage waste flowing into the springs from various sources has severely damaged aquatic life,” said Umaisar Gul, a local social activist and journalist.

He said that as autumn approaches, declining water levels contribute to the proliferation of aquatic weeds and algal blooms.

According to Gul, only the community’s collective efforts during the annual Panzath Nag festival – a 900-year-old tradition held in spring – help restore the springs to an extent.

This unique custom sees villagers come together to clean the water bodies, reinforcing their deep reverence for nature.

Locals also catch fish on the occasion, which they later enjoy as part of their meals.

However, encroachments along the banks continue to threaten the springs.

“Encroachments should be stopped to prevent further degradation,” Gul said.

He also cautioned authorities against using heavy machinery for cleaning, as it could disturb the fragile aquatic ecosystem.

The springs are a vital water source of irrigation for nearly 50 villages in Qazigund, with around 35 of them – comprising a population of 50,000 – relying on them for drinking water.

Twenty-five water supply schemes, including one serving the Kashmiri Pandit residential quarters in Vesu, operate on the waters of these springs.

Political Science professor and Panzath native, Gull Wani, attributed the growth of algae and weeds to the presence of exposed water pipes running over the springs.

“Besides giving a shabby appearance, these pipes contribute to algal bloom and aquatic weed growth,” Wani said.

He suggested underground piping as a solution.

Locals are also calling for the promotion of trout fish farming to provide alternative livelihoods to the village’s once-thriving fishing community.

“We hope the Fisheries Department supports private trout farming units to boost our local economy,” said Ali Muhammad Shah, a 60-year-old resident.

The Fisheries Department has already established a hatchery in Panzath, which is now the largest in the region in terms of seed production.

Assistant Director of Fisheries, Anantnag, Shabir Ahmad said, “The hatchery mainly serves as a seed centre, producing 6 lakh rainbow trout seeds annually.”

He said that the hatchery produces 4 to 5 tons of fish annually, generating Rs 42 lakh in revenue.

The fish is sold at a sale centre in the nearby Wanpora village.

The department has recently constructed five fish ponds over the springs to sustain viable trout production.

“More such ponds should be set up,” Shah said.

Despite being brought under the Verinag Development Authority (VDA) two years back, Panzath has seen little development to attract tourists.

“So far, only a park has been set up along the banks of the spring, nothing else,” the villagers said.

Gull Wani believes that with proper conservation efforts and infrastructure development, Panzath Springs has the potential to become a major tourist attraction, comparable to the famous Kokernag, Achabal, and Verinag Springs.

“Unlike other destinations, Panzath somehow escaped the attention of the Mughal rulers. Perhaps this is why it hasn’t gained much traction,” he said.–(GK)