Revitalizing River Jehlum
WS/VP Correspondent
Cleanliness, a principle ingrained in society since childhood, is often neglected in adulthood, leading to deteriorating environmental conditions. This disregard has resulted in severe harm not only to local surroundings but also to critical water bodies, including the Jhelum River in Kashmir, which faces daily misuse as a dumping ground for waste.
Amid growing concerns over pollution and the failure to safeguard water resources, a volunteer group in Sopore has launched a cleanup campaign targeting the Jhelum River in northern Kashmir. The initiative seeks to address the alarming degradation of the region’s primary water source.
“A clean environment is vital for a healthy life. Just as we maintain personal hygiene and clean homes, we must extend this responsibility to our shared spaces and water bodies,” the group stated. They highlighted the paradox of Kashmir’s reliance on the Jhelum River for water, even as residents contribute to its pollution.
The volunteers aim to emphasize the direct link between environmental preservation and public health. “Most communities here depend on this river, yet we continue to neglect our duty to protect it,” they added.
The campaign underscores the collective responsibility of citizens to act as accountable stakeholders in environmental and societal progress. “Whether through cleanliness or broader development efforts, every individual must contribute to building a sustainable future,” the group urged.
Notably, this cleanliness movement began in South Kashmir, where a group of youth led by photojournalist Javeed Dar started cleaning water bodies. However, it quickly gained momentum, with many groups from different parts of Kashmir joining the mission.
