Water crisis deepens in south Kashmir, residents hit streets

Shopian, Jul 2: Amid soaring temperatures and an extended dry spell, a worsening water crisis is fuelling public anger in south Kashmir districts with residents staging repeated protests over the lack of drinking water.

On Wednesday, dozens of residents—mostly women—from Nayidgund village in south Kashmir’s Shopian district blocked a road near the Shrimal area, demanding urgent action to restore drinking water supplies. Carrying empty vessels, protesters said they have been struggling for the past two weeks to access clean and uninterrupted water.

“We are forced to use unsafe water from streams, which poses serious health risks,” said one woman at the protest site. “We can’t even wash dishes or do laundry in this heat.”another added. The demonstration led to a traffic jam along the Srinagar–Shopian road before protesters dispersed peacefully following assurances from local authorities about restoring the water supply. A prolonged dry spell has pushed water levels in streams and rivers across south Kashmir  to critically low levels with the Jhelum River dipping below knee depth at several points. The shortage has triggered a drinking water crisis across multiple villages in Shopian and neighbouring Pulwama district.

Last month, residents in the Bongam area of Shopian also staged protests against the Jal Shakti Department for failing to ensure a regular water supply.

In Pulwama’s Boonora village, about five kilometres from the town centre, residents held similar demonstrations last week. Locals said the problem has persisted for four to five years, with water tankers provided by the administration falling short of household needs.

“Our children often suffer from skin infections due to unhygienic water,” said Javed Ahmad, a resident. “Even during snowfall, we walk long distances to fetch water.”

Authorities say the region's dwindling water sources and rising demand have strained existing infrastructure. “ We urge people to use water judiciously”, said an official from the Jal Shakti Department.  However, the residents said that immediate solutions were needed as the crisis intensifies with each passing day.