Heatwave sparks water crisis

Srinagar, Jun 20: The prolonged and intense heatwave sweeping across Jammu and Kashmir has triggered a drastic decline in the water level in rivers and streams resulting in a water crisis in parts of Kashmir, particularly for irrigation.

Officials of the Jal Shakti Department said that so far there is no shortage of drinking water and those misusing water would face action under the law.

The water level in Jhelum River, Kashmirís lifeline, has started to decline at a fast pace.

The river, which originates from the Verinag Spring in south Kashmirís Anantnag district, meanders through the lush Kashmir valley.

Its falling water level is now a cause of serious concern for residents, farmers, and authorities alike.

Experts attribute the crisis to a combination of factors, including an unusually warm and dry winter that brought below-normal snowfall and the continuing dry spell through spring and early summer.

As a result, the usual seasonal replenishment of mountain reservoirs has not occurred.

Springs, mountain streams, rivers, lakes, and wells are all showing alarming declines in water levels.

This has left large parts of Kashmir grappling with water shortages, particularly in rural and agricultural areas where irrigation needs are acute.

ìThe water table is receding fast. The streams that once fed our orchards and paddy fields have either dried up or are reduced to a trickle,î farmers from different parts said.

The agrarian economy of Kashmir is under immense stress.

Farmers across Ganderbal, Srinagar, Budgam, Bandipora, Kupwara, Baramulla, Shopian, Kulgam, and Anantnag districts are already struggling with inadequate water supply to irrigate paddy fields and apple orchards.

Paddy, a water-intensive crop that dominates agricultural activity in Kashmir during summer, is especially vulnerable.

ìPaddy cultivation at higher altitudes is severely impacted. The fields are dry and transplanting has been delayed,î an agricultural officer in Budgam said.

Apple growers are also sounding the alarm.

Insufficient water at critical growth stages is resulting in smaller, less vibrant fruit with reduced market value and shelf life.

Although brief spells of rain in April and May provided temporary respite, the ongoing dry conditions have pushed Kashmir back into crisis mode.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast mainly dry weather for the Kashmir division over the next 24 hours, with only isolated light rainfall expected in the Jammu division.

However, a glimmer of hope remains as scattered to fairly widespread light rain is likely across Jammu and Kashmir over the next few days, according to the MeT office.

The Jal Shakti Department has confirmed growing pressure on Kashmirís drinking water infrastructure. Chief Engineer Muhammad Taj Chowdhary told Greater Kashmir that so far there is not any crisis.

ìTo mitigate any shortage we have deployed water tanker services in affected localities,î he said. ìHowever, we are also facing issues of people vandalising water pipelines in some areas. This is not only illegal but also harms the larger community. We will take strict legal action against those found damaging public infrastructure.î