Battling Dry Spells

Kashmir Valley, also known as the “Paradise on Earth,” was bestowed with abundant water resources but the region is now facing an unprecedented water crisis, threatening its agriculture.

The winter of 2024-2025 served as a rude awakening call. The month of January recorded 75% less snowfall than what is normally expected in the valley, making it one of the driest seasons in recent history. Also, the daytime temperatures were 6-8 degrees above normal, disturbing the delicate water cycle of the valley. The mountains, which used to be snowcapped during Chillai Kalan, were left bare, resulting in diminishing water levels in rivers. The drastic reduction in snowfall has severe consequences on water availability in the Kashmir Valley. The water supply in rivers and springs, as well as irrigation canals, depends on the gradual snowmelt during spring and summer. The absence of sufficient snow accumulation, coupled with rising temperatures, causes the snow reserves to deplete quickly, leaving fields dry much earlier in the season. As a result, there is a sharp decline in agricultural production, threatening the livelihoods of farmers relying on irrigation as well as the total agrarian economy of the valley.

Role of climate change and mismanagement

The impact of climate change coupled with higher unusual temperatures has led to depletion of precipitation with the result seasonal water supply has badly been affected. This further shall impact soil moisture restoration as well as groundwater recharge. Along with climate change issues mismanagement of water and water resources has worsened Kashmir’s water crisis. The lakes and wetlands of the valley have been reduced to a dramatic extent owing to encroachment, siltation, and pollution. The deterioration conditions of the Zamindari Kulls (in terms of blockage, leakage and encroachments) is another set back to the assured availability of water for agriculture.

Need for sustainable water management

To address the water crisis, the valley needs to shift towards sustainable practices of water conservation and management. Large-scale afforestation and reforestation efforts are necessary to restore the water retention in the region. Degraded watersheds need to be planted with native trees to increase moisture storage in these areas. This can be achieved by encouraging community-driven reforestation programs.

The water wastage during irrigation can be reduced to a great extent by using drip and sprinkler irrigation systems. New technological interventions involving soil moisture sensors shall help to reduce the wastage of water at required time. Further, sensor-based smart irrigation systems enhance the water use and prevent water wastage by using real-time weather and soil data to supply water to the crops. Harvesting and the storage of rainwater will provide the much needed buffer during long lasting dry spells. Ponds with lined design enable water retention through their deep narrow structure, which decreases evaporation and leakages from the system. Check dams combined with percolation pits across seasonal streams enable water to move into the soil, therefore restoring exhausted groundwater levels. Roof rainwater harvesting at home and on farms are other options which subsequently decreases the need for conventional water sources for agricultural purposes.

The role of SKUAST-Kashmir

SKUAST-Kashmir is playing a leading role in research and innovation as far as irrigation water management is concerned, focusing on water-use optimization, conserving soil moisture, and integrating technology in agriculture. A major initiative that is already underway in the university is the installation of “sensor-based smart irrigation systems” aimed at improving water-use efficiency using real-time sensor-based data and automated irrigation systems. University also trains farmers by conducting workshops and implementing field trials along with demonstration farms to give them necessary skills for water conservation during changing weather conditions.

Urgent action is needed to secure Kashmir’s water future

The dry winter of 2024-2025 serves as a severe reminder that we should not take the water wealth of Kashmir valley for granted and has given us a clue that the economic stability of the region, especially associated with the agricultural sector, is at extreme risk. The present and future generations will continue to face severe water scarcity and a decrease in agricultural productivity unless we take urgent measures. In order to secure Kashmir’s water future, collective efforts are required from scientists, policymakers, farmers, and local communities. The integration of scientific research, modern irrigation techniques (sprinkle and drip irrigation), traditional systems of irrigation, construction of reservoirs for water harvesting near foot hills, use of ground water through bore wells and afforestation can help Kashmir rebuild its water security and agricultural resilience.

Dr. Sabah Parvaze, Assistant Professor, Division of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering

CoAE&T, SKUAST-Kashmir