The water crisis in Kashmir has reached an alarming level, with a persistent rainfall deficit exacerbating an already dire situation. Springs that have traditionally served as lifelines for countless communities are drying up, the Jhelum River is at historically low levels, and the erratic water supply has left many residents struggling to meet their daily needs. This is not just an environmental crisis but a humanitarian one, threatening livelihoods and exacerbating vulnerabilities in an already sensitive region. The situation has been brewing for years, but this winter’s 70 percent rainfall deficit has brought the crisis into sharp focus. Even during ‘Chillai Kalan’-a period that usually replenishes water reserves with heavy snowfall and rain-precipitation remained abnormally low. As a result, Achabal Spring in Anantnag has nearly dried up, impacting hundreds of villages. At the same time, Bulbul Spring in Newa is barely able to supply a fraction of its usual capacity. The Jhelum River, a crucial water source, is dangerously low at Sangam, disrupting supply to various regions, particularly in north Kashmir. These water shortages are not mere inconveniences; they have far-reaching consequences on agriculture, daily life, and the overall stability of the region. Without immediate and coordinated action, the crisis will deepen, leading to severe economic and social ramifications.
The declining water levels are not solely due to natural causes. Climate change has certainly played a role, with unpredictable weather patterns leading to prolonged dry spells. However, human activities-particularly excessive sand mining from the Jhelum-have significantly worsened the problem. Experts warn that unregulated extraction using heavy machinery has altered the river’s morphology, creating deep craters that trap water and hinder its natural flow. Such reckless environmental exploitation must be addressed with urgency. Additionally, unchecked urbanisation and deforestation have led to reduced groundwater recharge and increased surface runoff, further straining water availability. While the Jal Shakti Department has attempted to mitigate the crisis by deploying water tankers, this is a temporary and insufficient measure for a long-term issue.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s acknowledgement of the crisis and his call for collective action are timely and necessary. However, words must translate into concrete policies and actions. The Government must take immediate steps to implement sustainable water management practices. Traditional water sources must be revived through conservation projects. Springs and wetlands should be identified as critical resources and legally protected from encroachments and pollution. Simultaneously, the Government must impose strict regulations on sand extraction from the water bodies. Mining should only be permitted under environmentally safe conditions, ensuring that the river’s natural flow remains intact. Large-scale implementation of rainwater harvesting systems in urban and rural areas, especially in Government buildings, can help replenish groundwater levels. Schools and residential buildings should be encouraged, if not mandated, to install water conservation structures.
Every drop of water is precious in coming times. Many regions suffer from outdated and inefficient water supply networks, leading to excessive wastage. The Government must invest in modernised infrastructure, including leak-proof pipelines and efficient distribution systems. With agriculture being one of the largest consumers of water, farmers must be provided with incentives to adopt water-efficient techniques such as drip irrigation. Traditional but water-intensive practices should be replaced with sustainable alternatives. Additionally, community-led initiatives, including watershed management programs and afforestation drives, can help mitigate the crisis. Public awareness campaigns should emphasise the importance of conservation, with schools and local organisations playing a role in spreading awareness about responsible water usage.
Kashmir’s water crisis is a wake-up call that demands immediate and sustained action. If left unaddressed, the situation will only worsen, with devastating consequences for communities, agriculture, and the region’s economy. The Government must act decisively by implementing robust policies for conservation, regulation, and infrastructure improvement. At the same time, citizens must take responsibility for their consumption patterns and contribute to preserving this vital resource. Only through a coordinated effort-where the Government and the people work together-can Kashmir mitigate its looming water crisis.
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