People of J&K deserve safer drinking water supply

The recent data released by the Department of Jal Shakti in Jammu & Kashmir paints a reassuring picture of water safety, with 2.66 lakh water quality tests conducted in 2024–25 and an impressively low reported contamination rate of just 0.03%. J&K  boasts now a robust network of accredited laboratories and rapid response mechanisms, outperforming national averages on multiple fronts. The early numbers from 2025–26—with zero reported contamination cases so far sounds good, however, there is some devil in the detail.

Beneath this reported performance lies a more complex reality. The primary sources of drinking water in J&K —rivers and streams—remain highly vulnerable to pollution from domestic sewage, agricultural runoff, agro chemical contamination and industrial effluents. The current testing framework, while extensive, cannot fully offset the persistent environmental degradation of these water bodies. Sporadic issues such as turbidity during rains are reminders that safety is still episodic rather than systemic.

To truly safeguard public health, the focus must shift beyond downstream water quality monitoring to upstream water source protection. A multi-agency approach involving pollution control boards, urban local bodies and rural development departments is essential to address the root causes of contamination. Investments must also be made in watershed management, solid waste disposal  and sewage treatment infrastructure.

J&K may be ahead in water testing, but lasting water safety demands a cleaner environment and stricter regulation of pollution sources. The region deserves not just tested water, but truly clean and sustainably sourced water.