Pulwama, Feb 25 : Nestled along the banks of the Drabi Kohul, the picturesque village of Drabgam in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district is known for its scenic beauty and economic prosperity driven by fruit production.
Strategically located on the bustling Pakharpora-Yousmarg road, the village attracts both tourists and pilgrims. However, despite its progress, Drabgam is grappling with a severe hygiene and sanitation crisis that threatens both the environment and public health.
Over the past two decades, Drabgam has witnessed significant economic growth, particularly benefiting fruit growers. However, sanitation has deteriorated drastically. Heaps of cow dung are frequently dumped along the roadside, turning the once-pristine irrigation canal into a breeding ground for diseases. The irrigation canal, which runs alongside the road, now serves as a waste disposal channel. The stagnant water not only emits an unbearable stench but also spreads filth along its course, making travel on the road an ordeal. Motorists are compelled to keep their windows shut due to the foul smell.
Once a vital source of irrigation, the small canal under the upkeep of the Irrigation & Flood Control Department has been left neglected. Ever since the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department introduced household water connections, the canal has lost its significance as a clean water source. Unfortunately, instead of being repurposed constructively, it has turned into an open drain where residents discharge household waste, including sewage, further compounding the village's sanitation woes.
The unhygienic conditions have raised serious concerns about the outbreak of infectious diseases, particularly with the arrival of warmer months. Stagnant, polluted water serves as an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, posing a direct threat to the health of villagers. The situation demands immediate intervention to prevent a full-blown public health crisis.
Given the gravity of the situation, villagers are urging the district administration to take swift action. A coordinated effort involving the Block Medical Officer (BMO), Block Development Officer (BDO), and the Executive Engineer of the Irrigation & Flood Control Department is necessary to restore sanitation in the area.
“Authorities must not only clean up the canal but also penalize those who dump waste irresponsibly. Locals demand that offenders be booked and given exemplary punishment to deter further violations,” said a concerned citizen.
With summer fast approaching, urgent remedial measures are needed to curb the sanitation crisis before it spirals out of control. The fate of Drabgam’s residents, as well as its standing as a prominent village, hinges on timely and effective intervention. [KNT]
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