Umaisar Gull Ganie
Anantnag, Jun 27: The Kulam Chinar spring in Shankerpora village of Dooru in Anantnag district has fallen into a dilapidated condition, forcing locals to urge the authorities to restore the site and develop adequate infrastructure for the large number of visitors it attracts.
Maintained by the Verinag Development Authority, the spring is widely known among locals for its mineral-rich water, which many believe helps treat various skin ailments. People from different parts of Kashmir visit the spring to bathe, hoping to benefit from its perceived therapeutic properties.
Locals told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the spring has deteriorated due to unchecked algal growth and the absence of regular cleaning and maintenance.
“People from different districts visit this spring throughout the year, especially on Sundays, believing its water helps cure skin diseases. Unfortunately, the spring is now in a neglected condition and requires immediate attention,” Abdul Rashid, a resident, said.
The locals said that although some beautification work has been carried out in the park surrounding the spring, the overall infrastructure remains inadequate to cater to the growing number of visitors.
“Some work has been done in the park, but much more is needed. There are no proper washrooms for people who come here to bathe. Since hundreds of visitors use the spring every week, these basic facilities are essential,” another resident said.
They said regular cleanliness drives are needed to remove algal weeds from the spring and preserve its natural beauty, urging the authorities to develop public conveniences and other facilities to make the destination more visitor-friendly.
If the spring is properly maintained and basic infrastructure is created, it can attract more visitors while preserving this natural heritage, the locals said.
An official of the Verinag Development Authority told KNO that the concerns raised by the locals would be looked into.
“We will take up the matter and carry out the necessary works. Whatever is required for the upkeep and development of the destination will be done to the best of our ability,” the official said—(KNO)
