Srinagar, Sep 12: In a pressing call for action, residents of Peerbagh and adjoining areas have raised concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Doodhganga flood channel that passes through their locality, saying its neglect poses both flood and health risks.
According to the locals', dredged material has been dumped carelessly near Peerbagh Bridge, forming a bund that obstructs the natural flow of water. Residents fear that this blockage could lead to flooding during heavy rainfall, putting thousands of homes in Peerbagh and nearby areas at risk.
"The government has completely abandoned the upkeep of the flood channel," said Ashfaq Gani, a local resident. "It used to flow freely, but now it looks like a dumping site. The bund has completely blocked the water flow. If authorities don't act soon, the consequences could be disastrous."
Aftab Malik, another resident, added, "Every time it rains continuously, we feel anxious. The channel is clogged, and there's nothing to stop floodwaters from overflowing into our homes. If a flood hits, it won't just affect Peerbagh -- adjoining areas will face the same danger. Authorities need to act immediately."
Residents also highlighted that the flood channel has turned into a garbage dumping site. Household waste, plastic, construction debris, and other trash are being thrown into the channel regularly, worsening the blockage and creating unhygienic conditions.
"Garbage dumping in and around the channel is becoming a serious problem," said Nabeel Qadri, a resident. "This unchecked waste not only blocks water flow but also creates unsanitary conditions in the area." On top of this, untreated sewage from Rawalpora and industrial waste from Rangreth are being discharged directly into the channel at the Alamdar Colony pump station, raising health concerns for residents. "Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) doesn't have a functioning sewage treatment plant here. This not only causes foul smell from the drain but also turns the channel into a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of diseases like dengue, malaria, and cholera," said Faraz Ahmed, a concerned resident.
Residents are now urging authorities to take immediate action to restore and maintain the channel, which they say had protected the area during the devastating September 2014 floods. "This 2-km channel has saved our locality in the past," said Muzaffar Shah, a local resident. "When most parts of Srinagar were submerged in 2014, areas like Rawalpora, Wanbal, Rangreth, and Sanatnagar remained safe. Now, it has turned into a dumping site, and the government has ignored it. With heavy rainfall common this time of year, the flood risk is ever-present. Authorities must act without delay." Responding to the concerns, a senior official from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, requesting anonymity, acknowledged the problem and assured that steps will be taken. "We will look into the matter," he said, adding that long-term measures are also underway to maintain the channel. "A permanent project is in progress, which includes notifying Narkara wetland as a flood basin. Land acquisition is also pending, which will help manage flooding effectively. Once these steps are completed, the issue will be resolved permanently," the official added. Regarding the toxic industrial waste, he added, "We are coordinating with SMC to construct a sewage treatment plant in the area." He also urged residents to refrain from dumping garbage into the flood channel, saying, "Local cooperation is crucial. We request everyone to not dump garbage into the channel to help protect the area from floods and pollution." For now, residents of Peerbagh continue to live in fear of flooding, hoping timely action by authorities will prevent any disaster.