Bandipora Villagers Struggle with Pollution and Decaying Infrastructure
Bandipora in north Kashmir, villagers from Konan and Babagund are raising urgent alarms over the deteriorating state of their infrastructure and the growing problem of pollution. Their daily lives are increasingly impacted by a combination of environmental neglect and ineffective public services, leaving them with an uncertain future and few answers from the authorities.
A major concern for these communities is the pollution choking the area’s water canals, which serve as vital sources for irrigation and drinking water. The excessive accumulation of plastic waste, largely from uncontrolled garbage disposal, has led to the canals being clogged and water levels reaching alarming lows. This issue is a direct consequence of the absence of an organised waste management system in the area, with residents being forced to dispose of waste in local streams. “The canals are choked, and the water level is alarmingly low,” said Riyaz Ahmad, a concerned resident of Konan. “We need the Rural Development Department to introduce a proper garbage collection system and take immediate action to clean the canals.” For villagers, the canals are not just sources of irrigation but essential for daily drinking water. However, the absence of a streamlined waste disposal system has created a vicious cycle, leading to an increasingly polluted environment. The health hazards associated with the stinking, plastic-filled water are becoming all too real.
Adding to the villagers’ frustrations, the much-needed Water Supply Scheme in Konan has been left ineffective. Despite being operational for several years, its filtration and pre-settling units remain dormant, denying thousands of residents access to clean drinking water. Initially hailed as a significant development, the water supply system has failed to meet its intended purpose, leaving locals without the basic necessity of clean water. “It was meant to be a blessing, but due to official inaction, we are deprived of clean water,” lamented Shafat Ahmad, another resident of Konan. “We appeal to the authorities to activate all components of the scheme and ensure safe drinking water for us.” Villagers are losing patience as they grapple with the growing health risks posed by poor water quality. The failure of this vital project to function as promised has further compounded the sense of disillusionment and helplessness among the community.
Another issue plaguing the Bandipora district is the poor condition of local roads, particularly in the Hajin area near the Jhelum River embankment. The embankment, which is crucial in preventing flooding and protecting the community, has suffered extensive damage, with a section collapsing years ago. While temporary repairs were made, cracks continue to appear, causing growing concern among locals. The authorities have diverted traffic to avoid the risky stretch, but residents are calling for a permanent solution. “The authorities conducted soil tests and used machinery, but the problem remains,” said a concerned local from Hajin. “A permanent solution is needed to prevent a possible disaster.” With the looming threat of further embankment collapse, the safety of the villagers is at risk, and residents fear that the situation could escalate into a disaster if not addressed urgently.
The villagers of Konan, Babagund, and Hajin are now pleading with the district administration to take immediate action. With pollution ravaging their environment, inadequate access to clean water, and deteriorating infrastructure threatening their safety, their patience is running thin. Local officials are under mounting pressure to intervene, implement sustainable solutions, and make good on the promises made for development. The local government’s inaction has left these communities feeling neglected and vulnerable, as they continue to grapple with day-to-day challenges that threaten both their health and safety. As the issue continues to worsen, the call for governmental intervention is becoming more urgent. The people of Bandipora are calling for tangible solutions, including improved waste management systems, a functional water supply scheme, and structural repairs to the embankment to protect against further damage. Residents have made it clear that they can no longer wait for promises and are demanding immediate corrective measures to improve their lives. The hope is that the authorities will finally listen to their cries for help and act before the situation becomes irreparable.
