Water bodies in Jammu paint a dismal picture

Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 17

Despite an appeal from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to save ponds and water bodies, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir presents a sad state of affair.

Once the region boasted of having nearly 100 small and big water bodies, which served drinking purpose, besides serving human and animal needs.

“There was an urgent appeal made to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2018, which had sought an action to keep check on condition of ponds in Jammu. Though the ministry had responded to the complaint submitted to Prime Minister’s grievance cell, no action has been taken so far,” said Nitin Bakshi, a complainant of Ban Talab.

Ban Talab, Tillo Talab, Khatikan Talab, Rani Talab, and Bahu Talab are some of the famous areas and mohallas in Jammu city that once had talabs (ponds) after which these areas were named.

“While the names remain today, but not a single pond exists, as they have either been encroached upon or turned into garbage grounds,” said Ghulam Qadir Bhat, a resident of Khatikan Talab.

The rare species living in these ponds have also disappeared. Besides, a good number of water-borne plants added to flora and fauna of the region have vanished.

“Green grass and natural vegetation used to grow around these ponds and served as a habitation for fowls. These ponds have been an educational source for many scholars, who practiced higher studies in zoology and botany, and their study papers would adorn libraries of foreign universities,” said Brij Mohan Sharma, 84, a botanist and retired Central government employee.

While Joint Commissioner of Jammu Municipal Corporation was not available for a comment, an employee on a condition of anonymity said ponds within the municipal limits of Jammu were under control of different agencies and that created an impediment in their upkeep.