A water channel linked to the Jhelum and flowing through Karfalli Mohalla in Hab-ba Kadal has deteriorated into an open dumping ground, raising serious concerns about sanitation, environmental damage, and public health.

Once a source of clean water for domestic use and irrigation, the channel is now clogged with plas-tic waste, household garbage, and construction debris. Locals allege that prolonged neglect, lack of regular cleaning, and unchecked dumping by nearby residents have rendered the waterway nearly non-functional.
The stagnation has led to foul odors and increased mosquito breeding, creating health risks for chil-dren, the elderly, and people with respiratory or skin ailments. Residents report that the smell be-comes unbearable on warmer days, forcing them to keep windows and doors shut.
“This channel used to be a lifeline for our community. Now it is a source of disease due to official neglect,” said a local, adding that repeated complaints to authorities have gone unaddressed. “If ac-tion is not taken soon, we could face outbreaks of water-borne diseases.”
Locals have urged district authorities to remove accumulated waste, restore water flow, and imple-ment regular maintenance. They also called for strict penalties against those dumping garbage and installation of signboards or surveillance to prevent further misuse.
Residents warned that continued inaction could result in long-term environmental damage and a public health crisis, emphasizing that immediate intervention is critical.