A severe water crisis is unfolding across Kashmir, triggered by an alarming rainfall deficit that has led to the drying up of key water sources, such as springs, streams, and rivers. As a result, residents of the Valley are grappling with erratic water supplies, with many areas witnessing an acute shortage of water.
Traditional Springs Drying Up
For years, the Valley’s traditional water sources have sustained local communities, but this year, the situation has worsened significantly. Achabal Spring in Anantnag’s Mughal Garden, for example, has almost dried up entirely for the first time, affecting hundreds of nearby villages. Similarly, Bulbul Spring in South Kashmir’s Newa area has seen its water levels dangerously drop, disrupting supply to nearly 30 villages, including Newa, Parigam, and Narbal.
“We used to receive six lakh gallons of water from Bulbul Spring, but now it’s reduced to just one lakh gallons, which is nowhere near enough,” said an employee of the Jal Shakti Department.
Jhelum River’s Decline and Excessive Mining
In addition to the drying springs, Jhelum River, the primary source of water in Kashmir, is also facing historically low levels. At Sangam, the river stands at a mere 0.99 feet, exacerbating the crisis, especially in north Kashmir. Villages like Jetty, Dangerpora, Saloosa, and Inderpora have reported severe water shortages.
The situation is further compounded by uncontrolled sand extraction from the Jhelum. The Jal Shakti Department has warned that heavy machinery used for mining has created deep craters in the riverbed, trapping water and obstructing the river’s natural flow.
Government and Public Response
Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, voiced his concerns over the water crisis on social media, calling for a collective effort to manage and conserve water resources. He acknowledged that while the Jal Shakti Department is actively deploying water tankers to affected areas, the issue cannot be solved by the government alone.
“I will be reviewing the measures the Jal Shakti Department intends to take and engaging with the people of Jammu and Kashmir to address this crisis collectively,” Abdullah wrote.
Call for Action: Conserve Water
With water reserves dwindling and the crisis showing no signs of abating, residents have been urged to use water judiciously. Braham Jyoti Sharma, Chief Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, emphasized that responsible water usage is essential to prevent further strain on already depleting resources.
As the crisis deepens, it is clear that Kashmir faces an urgent need for effective water management strategies. The people of the Valley, along with the authorities, must unite to combat this growing challenge before the region’s water resources run dry.
