Kulgam, Dec 15: The trout population in the Vishaw stream, a vital tributary of the River Jhelum in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, is facing a grave threat due to rising pollution and unregulated mining activities.
Originating from the pristine Kausarnag and merging with the Jhelum at Sangam, the stream’s aquatic biodiversity is deteriorating rapidly, endangering trout and other fish species sensitive to environmental changes.
According to the Jal Shakti Department, the Vishaw stream supplies over 6 million gallons of drinking water daily to Kulgam district, serving more than 100 villages.
However, experts warn that pollution and haphazard mining have severely compromised water quality, leading to a sharp decline in fish production.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, Assistant Director of Fisheries, Kulgam, Shabir Ahmad said, “Unscientific mining, whether legal or illegal, especially during the breeding season, is the main reason for the decline in fish populations.”
He said that trout breed from October to December, while indigenous species like Schizothorax breed from April to June.
“Disruptions during these periods harm the natural biodiversity and reduce the fertility of breeding grounds,” Ahmad said.
Historically, extraction during breeding seasons was strictly prohibited, dating back to the Maharaja’s era.
However, today’s mining practices often involve heavy machinery, such as bulldozers, digging deep holes within the river.
This disrupts water flow and destroys habitats, directly impacting species diversification and fish production.
Ahmad said that mining should be confined to designated dry patches and conducted scientifically.
The Department of Geology and Mining, alongside Flood Control and Irrigation, now oversees mining in the region, while the Department of Fisheries focuses solely on protecting designated trout zones.
Kulgam district has the highest number of mining leases in the area.
Locals are concerned about the rampant illegal extraction of boulders and sand at multiple sites, all along the stream from Nihama to Qaimoh.
These activities have made nearby villages like Bhan, Chedar, Khriwan, and Pahloo vulnerable to flooding as riverbeds are excavated and embankments are repurposed as roads for transporting minerals.
“Illegal mining operations often occur early in the morning or at midnight, using heavy machinery,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a local. “This unchecked activity damages the ecosystem and poses a significant flood risk.”
For communities reliant on fishing, the situation is dire.
Muhammad Rafiq, a fisherman from Pahloo, recounted that he once caught 10 kg of fish daily a decade ago.
Today, he struggles to catch even 1 to 2 kg of fish.
“Our livelihoods are suffering badly. Many of us are considering leaving the profession altogether,” he said. “Around 20 families in my village are dependent on fishing.”
Over 500 families from Brazloo to Chamugund in the district draw their livelihood from natural fishing.
Environmentalists link the crisis to anthropogenic activities, including agricultural, and horticulture runoff laden with fertilizers and pesticides, which contain carcinogenic heavy metals.
Academician and environmentalist, Shahid Shafi explained how pollutants lead to eutrophication, disrupting aquatic life, and reducing water quality.
“The river’s water was once so pure that people drank directly from it. Today, it’s polluted with drainage and agricultural waste,” he said.
Shafi suggested immediate measures, including strict bans on unscientific mining, preventing liquid and solid waste discharge into the river, growing vegetation along riverbanks, and discouraging fertilizer use during the rainy season.
“Biomagnifications of pollutants renders the water unusable and severely affects fish survival and its quality as well,” he said.
District Mineral Officer Bilal Ahmad acknowledged the issue of illegal mining and assured that a crackdown is underway.
“We are working with police to stop these activities entirely,” he said.
Last month, the district received the prestigious ‘Best District Award in Fisheries’ from the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairies on the occasion of ‘World Fisheries Day.
The award acknowledges the Fisheries Department’s achievements in promoting sustainable practices, empowering local fish farmers, and boosting trout and other fish production through innovative techniques and policies.
However, unscientific mining and pollution in the Vaishaw and Sandran streams pose a significant threat to sustaining this recognition.
Police crackdown on illegal mining at Vaishav Nallah
Police, in collaboration with the District Mineral Officer (DMO) Kulgam, launched a crackdown on illegal mining activities at Vishav Nallah on Sunday.
The operation addresses growing environmental concerns over the unregulated extraction of resources in the area.
Acting on the directions of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Athar Aamir and SSP Kulgam Sahil Saringal, a team led by SHO Kulgam Subzar Ahmad, along with DMO Bilal Ahmad and SHO Qaimoh, conducted surprise night raids along the Vishav Nallah.
The swift and coordinated operation resulted in the seizure of machinery and vehicles, including JCBs, dumpers, tractors, and tippers.
In a statement, Kulgam Police warned individuals involved in illegal mining to desist from such activities. Authorities emphasised that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found violating the law.
The operation has drawn praise from residents, who commended SSP Sahil Saringal and the Kulgam Police for their proactive efforts to curb illegal mining and protect the environment in Vishav Nallah.
