As dry spell prolongs, Kashmir grapples with lean river water levels

6 December 2024

Water supply stable, but precipitation remains crucial: Officials

By: Jahangir Sofi

Srinagar: The Kashmir valley is facing a concerning decline in water levels across its rivers, springs, and other water bodies due to the ongoing dry spell and insufficient precipitation.

Experts and officials are raising alarms about the potential long-term impacts on drinking water, irrigation, and the valley’s overall ecosystem.

While the officials report a stable drinking water supply in the region, primarily attributing to reduced seasonal demand. However, the lack of significant precipitation continues to pose a long-term challenge, with authorities stressing the need for immediate rainfall and snowfall to recharge water bodies.

Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control (IFC) for Kashmir and also with additional charge of CE PHE Jal Shakti, Er. Braham Jyoti Sharma, while speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said despite the ongoing dry spell with reduced water levels in the water bodies, they were managing ‘adequate’ water supply in the region.

“Our rivers, ponds, and springs are drying up because of the lack of rainfall and snowfall. These water sources are critical for our drinking water supply and agricultural needs. We are hoping for precipitation soon, as natural recharge remains beyond human intervention,” CE IFC said.

In response to the crisis, he said that they have taken steps to stabilize the water supply, stating that the irrigation demand has significantly decreased with the end of the agricultural season in the region.

“For now, we are managing to maintain adequate drinking water supply, but the lack of precipitation poses a serious challenge for the coming months,” a top officer stated.

Another senior official from Irrigation and Flood control department highlighted the critical role of snowfall in sustaining Kashmir’s water resources. “Snowfall acts as a natural reservoir, feeding glaciers, streams, and rivers during the summer months. Without sufficient snow, the region could face severe water shortages during peak demand periods,” official said.

The officer said snowfall was essential for replenishing streams and rivers in the region, stating that it serves as a summer reserve, and its absence could lead to increased strain on our water resources.

The officer added that while the onset of winter has brought a marked reduction in demand due to the end of irrigation activities, the departure of seasonal populations has also enhanced the water supply in the region.

The officials also acknowledged that despite ongoing mitigation efforts there was growing pressure on water reserves, stating that the rainfall and snowfall remained the only sustainable solutions to the valley’s deepening water crisis.

“We are doing everything in our control to manage the supply, but without nature’s help, our resources will remain under threat,” the official said—(KNO)