SOS from the Himalayas: Springs, streams, Jhelum tributaries dry up

Srinagar, Feb 16: Ghulam Hassan, an 80-year-old resident of Achabal in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, steps out of the famous Mughal Garden with a look of disbelief and sorrow.

“I can’t believe my eyes. The springs have completely dried up. In my lifetime, I have never witnessed such a heartbreaking scene,” he says, his voice heavy with concern.

The Achabal Mughal Garden, built in the 17th century by Noor Jahan, wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, has long been a major tourist attraction due to its lush greenery and flowing springs.

However, its vital water sources have started depleting at an alarming rate.

“Achabal Garden is our heritage, a part of our identity. Seeing it dry up is devastating,” says Hassan. “If immediate measures are not taken to restore its spring, we fear it may never be the same again.”

The drying up of Kashmir’s vital water sources has triggered a severe crisis, threatening drinking water supply, agriculture, and horticulture across the region.

At least 15 villages depend on the Achabal springs for their water supply.

With their depletion, an impending crisis seems unavoidable, as residents are already relying on water tankers to meet their daily needs.

The Achabal springs also support 13 water supply schemes.

“Our taps have already started running dry, and we are dependent on water tankers,” says Shabir Ahmad, a local youth.

The situation is equally dire in other parts of Kashmir.

Several streams and tributaries across the Valley are drying up as day temperatures are soaring at least 8 degrees Celsius above normal.

The Aripath stream, originating from Chatapal in Shangus, has dried up, affecting over 25 water supply schemes.

Major tributaries of the River Jhelum, including the Lidder steam originating from the Kolahoi Glacier and Sheeshnag, later converging at Pahalgam; Brengi Nallah (Kokernag), Veshaw Nallah (Kausar Nag- Kulgam), Sandran and Veth-Vethastu (Verinag), Kund Nallah (Qazigund), Rambiara (Shopian), Tongri Nallah and Romshi Nallah (Pulwama) and Aripal (Tral) are all experiencing severe water shortages.

Adding to the crisis, high-altitude regions like Sinthan Top, Margan Top, Peer Ki Gali, Sadhna Top, Razdan Top, Gurez, upper reaches of Pahalgam, Gulmarg, and Sonmarg have received minimal snowfall this year.

The lack of precipitation has caused an unprecedented drop in water levels, creating a drought-like situation across Kashmir.

Experts attribute this crisis to climate change, with an almost 80 percent precipitation deficit aggravating the situation.

According to geologist and earth scientist, Prof Shakeel Ahmad Romshoo, the depletion of Achabal and other springs is primarily due to scanty snowfall this winter.

“Snowmelt plays a crucial role in replenishing spring discharge, contributing nearly 65 percent to their flow. Similarly, snow-fed and glacier-fed streams across Kashmir have shown a significant decline, a trend that has persisted over the past several years,” he says.

Prof Romshoo warns that the lack of snowfall this winter would have serious repercussions on stream flows, which are essential for agriculture, horticulture, and tourism.

“Last year’s snowless Chillai Kalan had already impacted winter tourism, particularly in Gulmarg. This year, with similar conditions persisting, the tourism sector is once again facing setbacks,” he said.

The below-normal snowfall, combined with significantly above-average winter temperatures, is a growing concern.

“If Kashmir does not receive normal snowfall in February and March, the consequences could be severe for sectors reliant on snow and glacier melt,” Romshoo said.

He also said that the continued decline in snowfall and rising temperatures are accelerating glacier retreat in the region.

“Over the past 5 years, abnormal glacier melting has been observed due to unusually high winter and spring temperatures, coupled with reduced snowfall,” Romshoo said.

Environmentalists have called for an urgent need for climate resilience strategies to mitigate the long-term impact of these alarming environmental trends on Kashmir’s ecosystem and economy.

“Without substantial rainfall in the coming months, more springs and streams could dry up. The natural process regulating groundwater and stream flow has been disrupted. Without sufficient precipitation, the drying up of springs and other water bodies is inevitable,” an environmentalist said.

He said that the crisis would persist unless immediate measures are taken.

“Water conservation must be a top priority, as prolonged shortages may become the new norm,” the environmentalist said. He also advocated sustainable water management, afforestation, and pollution control measures to mitigate the crisis.

“It is time to unite and act now to conserve our water sources before it is too late,” the environmentalist said. “Otherwise, future generations will struggle to find even a single drop of water.”