Kulgam, Jan 5:Residents of Kulgam district have voiced deep concern over the unchecked dumping of garbage into rivers and streams, describing it as a serious threat to public health and the fragile environment of the region.
People residing near these water bodies said that continuous disposal of solid waste has severely polluted natural water sources, resulting in unhygienic surroundings and raising the likelihood of disease outbreaks. They warned that the contamination of water poses risks not only to humans but also to livestock and wildlife that depend on these streams and rivers.
Locals further stated that indiscriminate dumping is causing long-term ecological damage, including the destruction of aquatic life and degradation of natural resources. They highlighted that these water bodies play a crucial role in daily household use and agriculture, and their pollution could have lasting consequences for livelihoods in the area.
Urging collective responsibility, residents appealed to the general public to stop throwing garbage into rivers and streams and to follow proper waste disposal practices. They emphasized that maintaining cleanliness around water bodies is essential to protect the environment and ensure a healthy future for coming generations.
Meanwhile, the residents have called on the district administration to intervene urgently by enforcing strict measures against illegal garbage dumping. They demanded regular monitoring, accountability, and effective action to curb the practice and safeguard public health as well as environmental sustainability.