Ajay Raina
Ranbir canal which once flowed majestically through the Jammu city, and was a favourite destination for Jammuites during harsh summer in the recent past is now losing its pristine charm and beauty thanks to apathetic attitude of Governments and unconcerned people.
It is said that the canal used to be a recreational spot for people, even for those who came from Sialkot to beat heat. But things have changed with new colonies erupting all along the canal and cutting of trees that once lined its banks.
Presently, the canal has been turned into a dumping ground. Its water carries with it all types of refuse from household items to waste generated by shopkeepers.
The authorities in Jammu are least bothered about the rising level of pollution in the Ranbir canal so are the people who live around it.
The canal is dying a slow death, due to negligence of the concerned authorities. A walk on the banks of the canal right from its start in Akhnoor is enough to experience the situation. Although the authorities concerned have developed parks and walkways on the banks of the canal, but in most areas heaps of garbage and municipal waste remain scattered. The 60 kilometer long Ranbir canal branches off from the Chenab upstream from Akhnoor and passes through three talukas of Jammu district including Jammu city, RS Pura and Bishnah. It was completed in 1905 and remodelled during 1968-75. The water in the canal remains ice cold, even in summers and people used to take bath in it. But nowadays, the pollution in and around the canal is alarming, which is restricting people especially to go around the canal morning and evening walkers.
If we talk about people’s responsibility to wards it, they seem to be least concerned in it. People after performing religious rituals along the banks of canal throw the waste in the canal, which also contributes towards its degradation.
The Ranbir canal is getting highly polluted and its pollution level has reached at alarming proportions. The canal is now being used as a big sewerage and its level has very much reduced. Besides polluting the river, the waste material is raising the level of canal bed. Household wastes, polythene bags and other useless things affect the water of canal.
Rahul Sharma, a resident of Patoli Brahmana said that the Government should impose ban on polythene carry bags as they contribute to the pollution of the canal and other water bodies.
The general public has to be made aware of the need to keep the canal clean, he said, adding that Government should take immediate steps to check pollution and should instruct the departments concerned, industries and the local residents not to discharge waste in the canal to maintain its beauty.
Pooja Gupta, a resident of Muthi and an evening walker said that administration has taken many measures to restore the glory of the canal its exercise has proven cosmetic so far as the canal has been turned into a dumping ground. “I am not just holding the Government responsible for the rising pollution level of the canal but people residing around the canal are also responsible to some extent as they throw their domestic waste in the canal”, She added.
People should understand their responsibility and they should not throw their domestic waste in the canal, she opined.
The condition of the canal has worsened, but the concerned administration is not doing anything in this regard to save it. The condition of the canal is worst, as people throw garbage such as used water-bottles and polybags, causing pollution and invitation to various diseases, said Sunil Thappa, a resident of Bakshi Nagar.
“It is the high time to check the pollution and make effective steps regarding the protection of this canal”, he added.
Manik Khullar, a resident who has his house near Rajpura said that this is quite unfortunate that we do not take care of our water bodies and for the same reason we are not left with enough water. I think both the department and the public are responsible for the situation. The practice can be curbed if the department concerned takes stern action in some cases, he added.
“Lack of proper sewage and garbage treatment plants in the city was leading to deterioration of the canal”, he said, adding that Government can not keep a vigil all along the Canal, so people should also cooperate with it.
Gulshan Kumar, an evening walker from Talab Tillo said “I do agree that our people lack a sense of responsibility and belongingness towards the natural resources and we do not value the abundant natural wealth. The Department concerned should deal the issue with sternness.
He opined that the defaulters must be penalised and strict enforcement of law would surely help to put a check on the discharge of waste into the canal.
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