Shah Basit
A recent water quality assessment has revealed alarming contamination in multiple natural springs across Ganderbal and Srinagar, with bacteriological tests confirming them as unfit for human consumption.
Following a large-scale sampling drive conducted by the Jal Shakti Department, 37 out of 40 tested springs were found contaminated, prompting authorities to issue a public advisory.
Residents have been urged to refrain from consuming water from these sources and instead rely on tap water until further notice.
The department has also recommended prolonged boiling for those who must use spring water.
Meanwhile, officials have been instructed to ensure the supply of safe drinking water to the affected areas
Experts have linked the contamination to reduced precipitation, which they believe may be a result of deforestation in the region.
The felling of trees is thought to be contributing to altered rainfall patterns, further exacerbating the issue of water quality in the springs.
Below is the list of contaminated springs in Ganderbal district:
1. Shamaspora 1 – Watlar
2. Shamaspora 2 – Watlar
3. Buanpora – Barsoo
4. Batnag – Wakura
5. Spring Wakura – Wakura (near H/O Ab. Hamid Ganaie)
6. Nagaland – Wakura (near H/O Manzoor Ah. B Bhat)
7. Gund Manz – Wakura
8. Parraypora – Kurhama
9. Ganaie Mohalla – Kurhama
10. Astan Mohalla – Kurhama
11. Rather Mohalla – Kurhama
12. Kumar Mohalla – Barsoo
13. Wotipora – Barsoo (near Sanaullah Bhat)
14. Barsoo
15. Malshahibag – Near SP office
16. Beehama – Near Jamia Masjid
17. Gohbal – Malshahibag
18. Malshahibag – Near petrol pump
19. Gamawara – Gamawara
20. Dab – Hussaini Chowk
21. Gamawara – Near school
22. Dhobipora 1 – Near H/O Bashir Ah. Dhobi, Ganderbal
23. Dhobipora 2 – Near H/O Ishfaq Ah. Pir
24. Dhobipora 3 – Near H/O Mehraj Ud Din
25. Dhobipora – Near H/O Mushtaq Ah. Dhobi, Ganderbal
Authorities continue to monitor the situation, emphasizing the importance of safe drinking water to prevent health hazards.