Usable Medicines Worth Lakhs Dumped in Kashmir Canal, Triggers Health Scare

Locals in Ganderbal found cartons of medicines floating in irrigation water, raising serious public health and safety concerns
A stack of white medicine boxes is arranged haphazardly on a flat surface.
Locals found cartons of unused medicines floating in the Ganderbal canal, and investigations are underway to trace the source.Jonas Gerlach-Unsplash
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In a shocking incident from Jammu and Kashmir, several medicines worth lakhs were found dumped in the Gundrehman area of Ganderbal district, Central Kashmir. The incident came to light on Saturday, June 28, after locals alerted the authorities.

What Happened

As per reports, the locals first noticed children playing with strips of medicine near the canal. On looking further, they discovered cartons of medicines—most still within expiry—floating in the water, which is used for irrigation and domestic purposes.

Worried and suspicious, they raised several questions: Who dumped these medicines? Why would someone bear the loss of lakhs? Were they substandard or counterfeit? Was this an intentional act?

A serene river flows through a lush field of trees, creating a tranquil natural landscape.
Cartons of medicines were found in the canal used for irrigation purposes, leading to a health scare.Milan De Clercq-Unsplash

They feared whether the medicines had already mixed with the water—and if so, what impact that would have on the health of their families. The authorities were alerted immediately.

Investigation Begins

The Jammu and Kashmir Drug Controller's office responded swiftly and sent a team to the site to begin the investigation. Dr. Shabbir, Assistant Controller of Drugs, told local media that a team is on the ground trying to trace the source of the dumping.

He assured that samples have been collected and efforts are underway to gather evidence. Speaking to local media, Dr. Shabbir said,

We are looking at all angles. Whether it’s an individual or an organization, strict legal action will be taken against whoever is responsible.

Dr. Shabbir, Assistant Controller of Drugs

A woman in a lab coat is focused on her project, surrounded by scientific equipment and materials.
Samples have been collected, and an investigation is going on; strict action will be taken against those responsible.CDC-Unsplash

Authorities have also started the process of removing the dumped medicines from the canal. Officials said they are coordinating with local bodies to ensure complete clearance and prevent further contamination.

Locals Raise Alarms

The dumping of bioactive substances into a water body used for irrigation and daily use has triggered panic. Locals fear contamination and long-term health risks for children and families in the area. Some are even unsure about the nature of these medicines and what impact they might have.

“What will happen to our health and the environment if this keeps happening?” questioned one resident.

They also expressed worry about the lack of awareness. “We don’t even know what these medicines are,” another local said.

Adding to the frustration, the local Chief Medical Officer (CMO) reportedly refused to take responsibility, claiming the issue was outside his jurisdiction.

What’s Next

While investigations are underway, the incident has raised serious concerns over the handling and disposal of pharmaceuticals in Kashmir. It also raises questions about how well water bodies and public health are being protected in the region.

Locals are now demanding accountability and stricter checks on how expired or excess medicines are managed, so that incidents like this don’t happen again.

(Rh/Pooja Bansal/MSM/SE)

A stack of white medicine boxes is arranged haphazardly on a flat surface.
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