Water levels drop alarmingly in south Kashmir amid prolonged dry spell

Shopian, Dec 3: A long-drawn-out dry spell has begun to take a visible toll on natural water sources, with several areas of Shopian and Pulwama districts in south Kashmir reporting a sharp depletion in streams, springs, and irrigation channels.

The absence of rain for weeks has not only triggered concern among farmers but also raised fears of an emerging water crisis ahead of winter.

Pulwama and Shopian are among the worst-hit districts in terms of rainfall deficit this season, recording significantly below-normal precipitation between October 1 and December 3, 2025.

According to official data, Pulwama has received just 29.4 mm of rainfall against a normal average of 47.6 mm, marking a 38% deficit, while Shopian has experienced an even sharper shortfall, registering only 16.5 mm of rainfall compared to the normal 63 mm, representing a severe 74% deficit. The alarming decline in rainfall in these agriculturally important districts has contributed to the visible depletion in streams, springs, and irrigation canals.

Local residents from different parts of Shopian and Pulwama said that the water levels in springs and rivulets have been falling with each passing day.

“Water levels in rivers and streams have depleted significantly. You can see very low water levels in the Rambiara river," said Bilal Ahmad , a resident of Shopian.

He said that if the current dry spell persisted it could trigger a water crisis.

Springs in Pulwama and Tral, known for supplying drinking water to a large population as well as feeding irrigation canals, have shown a particularly worrying decline.

According to residents, some springs that once gushed with steady flow have now shrunk to a mere trickle.

“Water levels in Aripal spring in Tral have dipped," said the residents.

Officials of the Jal Shakti Department said that they were monitoring the situation closely.

“It is natural that a protracted dry spell causes a reduction in discharge. If dry weather continues, it could affect the water supply," an official said.

Farmers, especially those cultivating saffron, said the dry weather could severely impact the next season’s yield.

They fear that if the dry spell stretches further into December, it could severely damage corms and lead to a drastic drop.

“Saffron fields require moisture at this stage. Without rain or snow, the soil has turned extremely hard and dry, impacting the growth stage,” said Irshad Ahmad, a grower from Pampore.

Meanwhile, weathermen have predicted largely dry weather for the next five days with no significant precipitation.