Achabal springs in south Kashmir roar back to life

Srinagar, Feb 21: After an unrelenting dry spell that gripped Kashmir, the long-awaited arrival of rain and snow has brought a wave of relief, rejuvenating the region’s water bodies that had nearly vanished.

The persistent 80 percent rainfall deficit had caused springs, streams, and rivers to shrink alarmingly, raising fears of a looming water crisis and drought-like conditions.

Among the hardest hit was the historic Achabal Mughal Garden, where the famed springs dried up for the first time in recorded history.

However, with fresh precipitation, these waters have roared back to life, raising hopes of the revival of other major springs like Dilnag in Pulwama and Aaripal in Tral.

Officials said that water was now flowing smoothly, and all supply pipelines were functioning properly.

Just days ago, a poignant video surfaced of an elderly woman, Saja Begum, offering prayers beside the parched bed of the once-mighty Achabal springs.

Her heartfelt plea resonated with many, fostering hope that nature would answer her prayers.

“Never before had our springs gone dry. It felt as if our soul had been taken from us,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a local.

He said that witnessing the return of these pristine waters was nothing short of miraculous.

“This rejuvenation feels divine,” said another local, Javaid Ahmad. “Even when the temperatures were high for that much precipitation, the return of water seems like an answer to the prayers of people like Saja Begum.”

Beyond restoring a cherished natural heritage, the replenishment of springs has relieved thousands who rely on them for drinking water.

Farmers, too, are rejoicing, as the fresh snowfall in the higher reaches has rekindled hopes for a fruitful agricultural season.

With sufficient water supply, they are hopeful of now cultivating crops like paddy and apples, which were at risk due to water scarcity.

The precipitation is expected to recharge the tributaries of the River Jhelum, which had been running dangerously low.

Major streams like the Lidder, originating from the Kolahoi Glacier and Sheeshnag along with others like Aaripat (Chatpal-Shangus), Brengi Nallah (Kokernag), Veshaw Nallah (Kulgam), and Rambiara (Shopian), had all suffered severe depletion.

Now, with snowfall blanketing high-altitude areas like Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Peer Ki Gali, Sadhna Top, Razdan Top, Gurez, and the upper reaches of Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Gulmarg, and Chenab Valley, these lifelines are poised to regain their strength.

According to geologist and earth scientist, Prof Shakeel Ahmad Romshoo, the decline in Kashmir’s springs was primarily due to the lack of snow this winter.

“Snowmelt is vital, contributing nearly 65 percent to the discharge of these springs. Similarly, snow-fed and glacier-fed streams across Kashmir have witnessed a significant drop over the years,” he said.