Budgam, Oct 14: In a shocking incident that has stirred public anger, six dead cows were found dumped along the Karshana–Khanshab main road in Budgam district, creating unbearable conditions for locals and raising serious environmental and public health concerns.
According to locals, the carcasses, believed to have been brought from a nearby village, were abandoned on the roadside several days ago. The decomposing bodies have turned the area into what residents described as “unlivable,” with a strong stench spreading across the locality.
“The smell is so unbearable that people are forced to cover their faces while walking through the stretch,” a local shopkeeper said. “Even the nearby stream is at risk of contamination due to runoff from the carcasses. It’s not just unpleasant, it’s dangerous.”
Eyewitnesses said that the animals had died days earlier and were likely dumped under the cover of darkness by unidentified individuals. The incident has triggered outrage among locals, who condemned the act as deeply irresponsible and unhygienic.
Taking note of the situation, a group of volunteers stepped in to handle the crisis when the authorities failed to act promptly. The team arranged for a bulldozer and buried the carcasses to prevent the spread of disease and further environmental pollution.
“We couldn’t wait any longer,” said Muzamil Ahmad. “The stench had become intolerable, and people were falling sick. We had to take immediate action to protect both the environment and public health. It’s unfortunate that ordinary citizens have to take such measures in the absence of official response.”
“This practice not only damages the ecosystem but also endangers communities,” an environmental activist said, urging the District Administration Budgam to take immediate corrective action. [KNT]
