Impact evaluation of urban sprawl on inland surface waters of Srinagar city in Kashmir valley

Abstract

The present paper investigates the reviewed patterns of urban sprawl on inland surface waters of Srinagar city, which lies in fragile knoll eco-system of Kashmir valley of Jammu and Kashmir Himalaya. The domino effect points towards unexpected and hit and miss inner-city development and transformation. These transformations have sternly shattered the water bodies both in provisions of area as well as its water quality. The quality of these saintly surface water sources is declining at an alarming rate. The present write up reveals that the scenic beauty of different water bodies such as Dal Lake, Lake Anchar, and river Jhelum which lie in the core area of the Srinagar city are economically degraded and under enormous pollution load. Having ravaged the water bodies, people have happened to be vulnerable to aggravated natural disasters like flooding and water logging in the city. The region experienced a severe flood during September 2014, the most terrible in Kashmir in six decades, which flooded Srinagar city and at slightest 50 villages and killed almost 200 people, and distressed 2 million people across the region. Therefore, it becomes a vital responsibility of the government as well as the local dwelling people or public to preserve the “Paradise on Earth” for coming generations by reducing extra pressure of pollution. Thus, precise management of the main water bodies of Srinagar city is the need of the hour to preserve ecological balance to sustain the Srinagar city.