A video shared by an Amarnath pilgrim on Instagram, showing people bathing and washing clothes in the Lidder River in Pahalgam, south Kashmir, has triggered widespread concern over pollution and calls for immediate action by authorities to protect the waterbody.
Pilgrim's Appeal to Shrine Board
The pilgrim, who has been documenting his Amarnath Yatra on social media, urged the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) to intervene after filming several individuals bathing in the river. In the video, he appealed to the board to deploy personnel near the river to prevent pollution. “I have an appeal to the Shrine Board. You have deployed security personnel... please deploy one at the river as well so that people do not pollute it. People are bathing with shampoo and soap, and even washing clothes here,” he said, emphasizing that a clean river was being contaminated. He also demanded that bathing in the river be prohibited.
Social Media Outcry
The video has since gone viral, with many social media users expressing concern and urging authorities to act. X user Tahir Peerzada wrote, “God forbid, we have no hatred towards Amarnath Yatris—Kashmiris have proved this time and again through their hospitality, compassion and support. But there is something called basic civic sense. Using soap and shampoo in a pristine river can severely damage its fragile aquatic ecosystem. How can anyone treat such a beautiful river this way?” Journalist Rajesh Raina described the scenes as “pathetic.” “It is heartbreaking to see some people bathing with soap and washing clothes with detergent in the beautiful Lidder River in Pahalgam. This is not tourism. This is a complete lack of civic sense,” he posted on X. Another user, Iftikhar Hussain, said it was “heartbreaking to see the waters of the Lidder polluted by shampoos, toxic detergents and plastic sachets.” He added, “Bathing, washing clothes and littering are destroying Pahalgam's fragile ecosystem. This lifeline of Kashmir must be protected.”
Environmental Impact
The Lidder River, a major tributary of the Jhelum, is known for its pristine waters and supports a fragile aquatic ecosystem. The use of soaps, shampoos, and detergents introduces chemicals that can harm aquatic life and degrade water quality. The incident highlights the need for better waste management and civic awareness among tourists and pilgrims visiting the region.
