Famous Brengi fresh water stream in Kashmir suddenly disappears in sinkhole, locals worried

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The famous Brengi fresh water stream has disappeared into a sinkhole in the Wandevalgam area of Anantnag in south Kashmir triggering fear among  environmentalists over its impact on the ecosystem of the river.</p>
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The stream stretching over nearly 20 km has dried up after being swallowed by a massive sinkhole, leaving several fish and other aquatic species dead downstream.</p>
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The outlet of the water is still not known and locals are worried that homes in nearby villages may sink.</p>
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However, experts believe that it is a natural phenomenon developed due to the gradual dissolution of limestone rocks in the water body.</p>
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The district administration has formed an expert committee to study the occurrence.</p>
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According to assistant executive engineer of Flood and Irrigation department, Mohammad Syed Mir, "It is a natural phenomenon, it will occur in this area. We have taken some measures, like right now we have diverted the water. A committee has been set up by the administration, we are waiting for that report."</p>
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“We will take a decision on a technical basis and we will take further steps in treating this sinkhole once the expert committee submits its report,” he said.</p>
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The administration has enforced restrictions under section 144 CrPc and asked people not to venture near the sinkhole as nobody knows the outlet of the sinkhole.</p>
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Authorities on Wednesday issued an advisory for media persons against moving close to the sinkhole, underscoring that they pose a threat to themselves and that it may attract the general public.</p>