Bring Back Water Watchdogs

Decades ago, under Dogra rule, Kashmir had a system of water police that kept a close watch over rivers and tributaries. Their role was simple but important. They stopped illegal construction, prevented dumping of waste, and made sure rivers stayed healthy. These officers were the first line of defense, protecting the valley’s lifelines.

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Today, that system has almost disappeared. The devastating floods of 2014 should have been a loud warning. Entire towns were submerged, homes washed away, and thousands of people left stranded. The message was clear. Neglecting our rivers leads to disaster.

Yet every monsoon, the same fear returns. The Jhelum rises dangerously. The Lidder and other smaller rivers spill over their banks. Fields turn into stagnant ponds. Orchards lie submerged. Roads vanish under mud and water, cutting off whole villages from food, schools, and medical help.