Lasjan drain not complete in 21 years
Tonnes of solid, liquid waste continue to pour into Jhelum
Sameer Showkin Lone
Srinagar, Feb 21: Twenty one years on, the construction of main drain at Lasjan has not been completed due to which river Jhelum is getting polluted as tones of solid and liquid waste is continuously pouring into it.
Besides the drainage system in the interiors of Lasjan, just 10 kilometers from the city centre is very poor, while heaps of garbage lying can be seen lying on roadsides. The roads of the area are dilapidated while streets are no good than puddles of water.
Locals alleged the area is facing official apathy from the past 22 years. What has added to the miseries of the locals is the unending construction of the main drain on which work started in early 90’s and is yet to be completed. “Due to long delay in the construction of drain the residual wastes of the area have been flowing into the river Jhelum over the years,” the locals said.
They said had the construction of the drain been completed 20 years ago, the river could have been saved from pollution threat which it is facing now.
According to locals a proposal was made in early 90’s to construct a drain which will divert both solid and liquid waste of the area to the filtration plant at a distance of half a mile from Lasjan, but two decades have passed the drain is still incomplete, the locals said, adding the filtered water could be used for irrigation purpose as majority land area is used for agriculture purposes.
“The solid and liquid waste has been flowing into the river and nobody bothers to gear up the construction of the drain so that the river is saved from further deterioration. Due to political infightings the construction has got delayed till now,” said Dr Adil, a local.
Adil further said the other smaller drains in the colonies have also got blocked and water frequently enters into the courtyards of residential houses. “Late Mir Lasjan had proposed a plan so that the whole waste would be taken towards Nambal area where after filtrated water could have been used for irrigation purpose but due to political reasons the plan was changed and the drain is in construction since then,” Adil added.
He further alleged that “Morariji Desai” formula is being applied for the inhabitants of the area by making them to use the drainage water mixed with water supply schemes.
The area is flood prone and locals fear a minor flood can submerge the whole area owing to the poor drainage system. “This is a low lying area and a slight rainfall can dampen the area.”
Although, the locals have time and again apprised the concerned authorities about their problems, but no action has been taken till date.
When contacted Chief Sanitation Officer Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Manzoor Ahmad Taray said the area does not fall under its jurisdiction.
Despite repeated attempts Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, could not be contacted for his comments.