From sacred streams to polluted passages: Tragic decline Of Kashmir’s Kuls

A sacred tradition facing uncertain futures

The Kuls or canals of Kashmir, once the lifelines of communities, now stand as salient witnesses to a vanishing way of life. These traditional canals, which once carried not just water but also stories, dreams, spirituality of the people, have been choked by pollution, neglect and rapid urbanisation. As industrial and plastic waste encroach upon their banks, the Kuls are fading into obscurity, taking with them a rich cultural heritage.

Even as recently as a decade ago, Kuls, traditional canals of Kashmir, were more than just channels of water. They were the lifelines of communities, places of connection, love and spirituality. Today, these once-vibrant waterways are polluted, neglected, and on the brink of being forgotten. Unchecked industrialisation and urbanisation, along with pollution, notably plastic pollution, have silenced the Kuls, and with them, a way of life.

For generations, the Kuls were central to daily life in Kashmir, especially for women. Early mornings would see them walking along the canal banks, earthen pots balanced gracefully on their heads, ready to collect water for their homes. But the Kuls were more than just a source of water, they were also places of connection. Women gathered there to share stories, joys, and sorrows, forging bonds that transcended the practical task of water collection.

Saja Begum, 55, Langate Handwara, recalls those days with nostalgia. “We did not just gather water, we gathered moments. We would talk for hours, sharing everything from our troubles to our joys. When someone in the neighborhood had a new calf, we would gather to share ‘khadder,’ cheese made from the first milk of a lactating cow. It was not just about food, it was about being together,” Begum tells Media India Group, her face lighting up with memories.

Abdul Hamid Shah, an executive member of the Traders Union, a group of local business group , in Langate, says, The Kuls were a refuge for lovers. In a society bound by tradition and discretion, the serene banks of the canals provided a hidden space for whispered dreams and promises. The Kuls were a place where love blossomed; the water, calm and unassuming, carried our secrets and our hopes.

“Beyond their social role, the Kuls held spiritual significance for us. The communal bathhouses, or gusulkhaans, located alongside the canals, were sacred spaces where we prepared for prayer. The Kuls were revered and the water was purer than anything else. When we bathed in it, it was not just about cleanliness, it was about purification and preparing ourselves spiritually. However, a turning point came after the year 2000. Industrialisation, plastic pollution and rapid urbanisation began to take their toll. Plastic, industrial waste and pollution gradually destroyed what we once had. The canal shrank, the water became murky, and what was once pure has now become contaminated,” Shah tells Media India Group.

Mohammad Ishaq Dar, a 38-year-old social and political activist from Langate, expresses deep concern over the decline of the Kuls.

“The Kuls were once vital to the community. We placed our trust in the Kuls. We drank from them, bathed in them, and relied on them for our daily lives. Now, we can not even touch the water. The Kuls, once symbols of life, have transformed into sources of disease. The decline is not merely an environmental issue, it represents a profound loss of a way of life. There was a time when children played along the banks, chased ducks, and gathered eggs, fostering a strong connection to nature. Now, the canal is nothing more than a shadow of its former self. The water is dark, and the vibrant life that once thrived there has vanished,” Dar tells Media India Group.

“In my childhood, these Kuls were sacrosanct, treated with the same reverence as graveyards. They nourished the community’s soul and sustained our livelihood. As 1990s marked a turning point as mud houses gave way to modern constructions, leading to a loss of civic sense and witnessing beloved canals reduced to dumping grounds. In this Muslim-dominated area, our faith underscores the importance of cleanliness. We have forgotten that sacred tenet as our Prophet Muhammad taught us that cleanliness is half of our faith,” Altaf Hussain Zargar, a renowned writer and critic in Handwara, tells Media India Group.

The pollution of the Kuls is a microcosm of the broader environmental challenges facing Kashmir. Industrial growth, unchecked plastic pollution, and poor waste management practices have all contributed to the degradation of the region’s waterways. Tarique Raheem, 38, a journalist who covers environmental issues in North Kashmir, has observed the impact firsthand. In districts like Kupwara, where summer water shortages are becoming more frequent, the pollution of the Kuls is taking a toll on farmers who rely on them for their crops.

“The increasing use of plastic is suffocating these canals, filling them with debris and rendering the water unsafe for both irrigation and livestock. This is not just an environmental issue, it is a matter of survival for our communities. What frustrates me most is that the solution is within reach if we take action now,” Raheem tells Media India Group.

Despite the challenges, there are efforts to restore the Kuls. Awareness campaigns have gained momentum, with local officials and activists working to educate the public about the importance of environmental preservation. Zahoor Ahmad, a municipal worker in Langate, has been driving through the area with a loudspeaker, urging residents to reduce plastic use and improve waste management.

Nazir Ahmad Rasray, a Field Officer from Langate Municipality, discusses ongoing efforts to address environmental concerns in the region. The commitment to eliminating open defecation and protecting water bodies is paramount, “The Kuls of Kashmir are more than just water sources—they are a part of the region’s identity, culture and faith. Anyone found violating environmental regulations will face penalties. The painful decline of the Kuls serves as a reminder of the consequences of neglecting the environment. However, there is optimism that by working together residents, local governments, and environmental organisations Kashmiris can restore the Kuls and safeguard them for future generations,” Rasray tells Media India Group.