Srinagar, July 12 -- The action, ordered by Assistant Commissioner Development Hilal Ahmad Mir, aimed to stop human waste from leaking into drinking water sources.

The structures, made of tin and mud, lacked proper containment systems and posed a serious health risk, officials said.

The demolition was carried out by the Rural Development Department under the district's rural waste management program.

"These toilets were contaminating the stream locals depend on," said a field officer. "Removing them was necessary."

Though Jammu and Kashmir was declared open defecation free under the Swachh Bharat Mission, dry latrines and unsafe toilet practices persist in many villages. Their proximity to streams has led to rising concerns over water...