Viral Videos Show Pilgrims Polluting Lidder Stream in Pahalgam
Pahalgam, July 9, KNT: Concern has mounted after videos showing Amarnath Yatris bathing and washing clothes with soap and detergent in the pristine Lidder stream at the Pahalgam base camp went viral on social media, prompting widespread calls for immediate intervention to protect the ecologically fragile river.
The videos, reportedly shot near the bus parking area in Pahalgam, show several pilgrims bathing in the crystal-clear stream while others are seen washing clothes using soap and detergent directly in the flowing water. The visuals have triggered sharp criticism from netizens, who described the practice as environmentally irresponsible.
Besides the use of detergents and soaps, plastic bottles and other waste can also be seen strewn across the lush green pastures adjoining the stream, raising concerns over increasing litter and pollution during the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.
The Lidder stream, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and rich aquatic ecosystem, is considered one of Pahalgam’s most valuable natural assets. Environmentalists have repeatedly warned that detergents, soaps and plastic waste can contaminate the river, harm aquatic life and damage the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
Following the circulation of the videos, social media users have appealed to the district administration, the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board and other concerned agencies to strictly prohibit bathing, washing of clothes and the use of soaps and detergents in the stream. They have also urged authorities to intensify awareness campaigns, install warning signboards and deploy enforcement teams to prevent such practices.
Many users including some pilgrims said safeguarding Kashmir’s natural heritage is a shared responsibility and stressed that pilgrims should be encouraged to respect the Valley’s fragile environment while undertaking the annual pilgrimage. [KNT]
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