Shopian, Oct 18: The dumping of animal carcasses near water bodies in south Kashmir’s Shopian district has raised concerns over the possible contamination of drinking water sources and the safety of water supplied to local households.
Officials of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department said some residents were disposing of dead animals near streams and other water bodies, creating a risk of pollution. They said the carcasses were sometimes dragged into the water by stray dogs, further increasing the possibility of contamination.
“Such actions by residents pollute the streams,” officials said.
They said several streams and other water bodies in Shopian served as sources for water supply schemes, making their protection important for ensuring safe drinking water for local communities.
The practice has also raised concerns among residents, particularly in areas where people depend directly on streams for their daily water needs.
Mohammad Imran, a concerned resident, said people in some areas consumed water directly from streams, making the dumping of animal carcasses near these sources a serious public health concern.
“In the past, we have seen people throwing animal carcasses near streams without considering the consequences. These streams are used by people for drinking water, and any contamination can put their health at risk,” he said.
Residents said the improper disposal of dead animals not only affected the cleanliness of the surroundings but could also expose communities to waterborne diseases if harmful bacteria and other contaminants entered drinking water sources.
They said greater awareness was needed about the consequences of dumping animal carcasses near streams, particularly those linked to drinking water supply schemes.
In rural parts of Shopian, natural streams remain an important source of water for households and livestock. Pollution of these sources could affect communities that depend on them, particularly in areas where access to treated drinking water is limited.
Residents called for better monitoring of water bodies and measures to prevent the indiscriminate disposal of animal carcasses along stream banks. They also stressed the need for proper disposal facilities and public awareness campaigns to discourage the practice.
Officials said protecting water sources required cooperation from residents and urged people to ensure the safe disposal of animal carcasses instead of leaving them near streams.
Residents said safeguarding these water bodies was essential to protect public health and maintain the quality of drinking water in Shopian district.
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