By Dr. Showket Ahmad Mandloo

Centuries of Kashmiri identity flowed through the Jhelum. 

The river sustained agrarian life, defined settlement patterns, and inspired poets who called this valley paradise. Snow-fed springs filled its channels, creating an ecological system where sparkling waters matched the surrounding peaks. 

The famous invocation, “If there is a paradise on earth, it is this,” captured a land where rivers defined memory and meaning. Water went beyond a resource. It held identity itself.

But that paradise now runs dark. 

The Central Pollution Control Board classified the Jhelum as polluted throughout its entire stretch from Srinagar to Baramulla, recording Biochemical Oxygen Demand levels at 7.8 mg/L. 

This Priority IV designation signals contamination exceeding thresholds necessary for healthy aquatic life. The pollution extends throughout the valley’s riverine network, rendering tributaries equally toxic. This pervades the entire system throughout all pockets.

The human cost proves equally severe. The Jal Shakti Department draws drinking water for Kashmiri households directly from this river, applying chlorination to eliminate biological contaminants while industrial chemicals and heavy metals remain present. 

The “Har Ghar Jal” vision guaranteeing safe drinking water........

© Kashmir Observer