“Natural resources like Padshapal are a sacred trust passed down from one generation to the next. It is our collective responsibility to protect and preserve such places”.
Placed away at Dara Harwan in Srinagar, on the banks of the pristine Maloori Nallah, lies a newly emerging picnic spot known as Padshahpal. This serene location, blessed by Almighty Allah with abundant natural charm, sits near the outer bounds of the famed Dachigam Wildlife Sanctuary. Its breathtaking scenery, gushing waters, and peaceful surroundings make it a perfect summer escape for people seeking relief from the scorching heat. For the youth of nearby villages, Padshapal is more than a picnic site—it’s a cooling refuge and a recreational delight. They often gather here to take a dip in the cold, refreshing waters. The local community, generally warm and welcoming, has no issue with people visiting, as long as the place is treated with care and reverence. However, in recent years, this once-pristine spot has begun to suffer due to increasing instances of irresponsible tourism. What was once a calm and clean natural site is now gradually being transformed into a polluted stretch of land and water. Visitors often leave behind plastic bottles, food wrappers, glass, and other non-biodegradable waste scattered along the banks. Some even bring their animals and wash them directly in the stream, releasing dirt, hair, and pathogens into the flowing water. The volume of pollution has alarmingly increased, and the once-clear waters now show visible signs of contamination. More disturbing are the indecent behaviors exhibited by a few visitors, such as roaming half-naked, playing loud music using high-pitched microphones, and disturbing the tranquil atmosphere. Additionally, rash driving by some reckless individuals on narrow village roads has become a growing threat to the safety of residents.
Beyond the aesthetic damage, this pollution poses a serious health risk to the local population. The Maloori Nallah is not just a place for leisure—it serves as a crucial source of potable water and irrigation for many neighboring villages. With rising pollution levels, the risk of waterborne diseases increases significantly. Waterborne illnesses such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery, hepatitis A, and gastroenteritis can spread rapidly through contaminated water sources. These diseases often lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, dehydration, and in severe cases, even death. Children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable. The outbreak of such diseases can burden the already limited healthcare infrastructure in rural areas. The issue, therefore, is not merely one of cleanliness or aesthetics—it is a matter of public health and environmental sustainability. Natural resources like Padshapal are a sacred trust passed down from one generation to the next. It is our collective responsibility to protect and preserve such places. If we do not take timely action, the lush green banks and sparkling waters of Padshapal may become nothing more than a memory or a case study in environmental neglect. The need of the hour is community awareness and responsible behavior. Visitors must be educated about eco-friendly practices: avoiding plastic, not littering, refraining from polluting water bodies, respecting local customs, and ensuring safety on the roads. Likewise, authorities must install dustbins, place signboards, designate proper entry points, and perhaps even deploy eco-volunteers to ensure Padshapal remains clean and safe.As the old saying goes, “Take only memories, leave only footprints.” We must remember that nature is not a commodity to exploit—it is a blessing to cherish. Let Padshapal not fall victim to our negligence. Let us join hands to ensure that its beauty endures, not just for us, but for the generations to come. The preservation of Padshapal is not just about protecting a picnic spot; it reflects our ethical relationship with nature. In a world grappling with climate change, water scarcity, and ecological imbalance, every local action matters. How we treat our rivers, forests, and mountains speaks volumes about our values as a society. As the famous Native American proverb reminds us, “We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” It is, therefore, not only a civic obligation but a moral and spiritual duty to safeguard such places. Let Padshapal become a model of responsible tourism, community care, and environmental awareness, rather than another tale of human apathy.

Email:--------------------------minamharoon123@gmail.com