Prohibitory orders around water bodies in J-K's Bhaderwah to curb pollution

Authorities have imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure CrPC around the water bodies in Jammu and Kashmirs Bhaderwah belt to curb rising pollution officials said on SundayThe picturesque Bhaderwah valley often referred to as miniKashmir is grappling with escalating pollution in the absence of an efficient sewerage system The impact on the once crystalclear water bodies including the Neel Ganga river has prompted local authorities to interveneAcknowledging the severity of the issue Doda deputy commissioner has issued orders to book offenders under Section 144 the officials said Section 144 of CrPC prohibits assembly of four or more people in an areaNow we are left with no other option but to initiate strict action against the offenders by imposing Section 144 of the CrPc to book those who are flouting the laws and polluting water bodies Bhaderwah Additional Deputy Commissioner Dilmir Choudhary saidHighlighting the urgency of preserving Bhaderwahs precious water bodies Choudhary said We tried to convince educate and motivate people not to pollute water bodies but unfortunately no visible change has been witnessed in their attitudeThe valley known for its breathtaking landscapes and numerous water bodies is witnessing a disturbing transformation with streams such as Puneja Nallah Halian Haloon Hanga and the sacred Neel Ganga River succumbing to unabated dumping of town waste including nonbiodegradable materials and human excrement the officials saidLocals religious bodies and environmentalists have expressed serious concerns emphasising the pollutions detrimental effects on these vital water resourcesThe pollution in water bodies has a severe effect on the lives of aquatic animals and disrupts aquatic ecosystems warned Tariq Pervaiz Shaphri a social worker and environmentalist from BhaderwahReligious structures including the historic Gupta Ganga temple and Markazi Jamia Masjid located along the banks of the Neel Ganga River are now overshadowed by the overpowering stench of what has turned into contaminated water bodies Shaphri saidConcerned citizens and activists have been urging immediate corrective measures emphasising the need for strict actions against the offendersThe repeated outbreak of mysterious illnesses and waterborne diseases in Bhaderwah valley and its neighbouring areas is a wakeup call on the increasing pollution levels in Neeru river and other water bodies in this belt said Rashid Choudhary a Bhaderwahbased social activistVishwa Hindu Parishad state secretary Satish Kotwal expressed frustration over the alleged indifference of the authorities to the issue stating We have time and again requested the administration to do the needful but till now no concrete measures have been initiated to save the sanctity of the sacred Neel Ganga riverThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever