By Syed Sammar Mehdi
In Kashmir, a passionate eco-campaigner is reaching out to students to save the Doodh Ganga river. Dr. Raja Muzaffar visited the Government Higher Secondary School in Zoohama, aiming to ignite a sense of responsibility among the youth about their local environment.
He highlighted a serious issue. “The Doodh Ganga is facing pollution every day,” Dr. Muzaffar warned. Waste is regularly dumped in the river, and illegal mining is damaging riverbanks and irrigation systems. He stressed that if we don’t act now, local agriculture—like paddy fields and apple orchards—could suffer greatly.
Dr. Muzaffar pointed to another pressing concern: the alarming speed at which Kashmir’s glaciers are melting. “This water, which nourishes our homes and fields, is becoming contaminated,” he stressed. “We’re in a battle with nature, and we’re losing ground because of our negligence.”
This talk was part of Sewa Parv 2025, a campaign encouraging civic duty and environmental care across the nation. Principal Abdul Gani echoed these sentiments, urging students to take charge in protecting their water sources, as the health of Doodh Ganga directly affects local livelihoods.
Mushtaq Ahmad Lone, a local eco-activist, further motivated the students to join rural waste management initiatives under the Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin, saying, “The change starts with you.” He underscored that while teachers can guide them, true impact comes from student initiative.
Dr. Muzaffar elaborated on the consequences of illegal mining. It has weakened small canals that distribute water to farms, leaving agriculture at risk during floods. “These channels are now vulnerable,” he noted. “If they fail, our fields will be exposed to flooding.”
The message was clear for the students of Zoohama: The Doodh Ganga is integral to their lives and future. Protecting it requires awareness and teamwork, and action must be taken without delay.
Recent statistics show that around 300 million people globally lack access to safe drinking water, and rivers like the Doodh Ganga are vital for sustenance in regions like Kashmir. Protecting these resources is not just a local issue but part of a global challenge. Understanding this connection can inspire young advocates everywhere.
