SRINAGAR: Concerns over water scarcity in Kashmir are rising due to declining groundwater levels, receding glaciers, and depleting springs, affecting water availability across the region. Data presented in the Lok Sabha highlights the severity of the issue.
While the government maintains that there is no widespread water crisis, reports confirm that several springs have dried up, leading to drinking water shortages in specific areas.
According to data, recent precipitation has helped recharge some natural water sources, improving availability in certain areas. However, long-term trends indicate significant declines in water reserves, raising concerns over sustainability.
A comparison of spring discharge rates between November 2023 and November 2024 shows sharp declines in several key locations. The discharge rate dropped by over 10 percent, in Srinagar’s Cheshmashahi spring. Similarly, Kulgam’s Parigam Bala saw a 42 percent decline, highlighting growing stress on water sources.
However, some areas, such as Ganderbal, have witnessed improvements. In Tengpora Giraj, Ganderbal, the discharge rate tripled, while Gohbal saw a 20 percent increase. These variations indicate localised differences in water availability, with some districts experiencing severe depletion while others show temporary recovery.
The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) has reported significant fluctuations in groundwater levels across Kashmir over the past four years. Data indicates that districts such as Budgam, Kupwara, Baramulla, and Pulwama have seen some of the sharpest declines in extractable groundwater.
In Budgam, available groundwater dropped by nearly 88 percent between 2020 and 2024, while Kupwara saw an 81 percent decline. Baramulla recorded a 70 percent reduction. Conversely, Bandipora reported an 80 percent increase in groundwater availability over the same period. These variations suggest that while some areas benefit from local recharge, others continue to face severe depletion, making water management a critical concern.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has recorded a consistent decline in annual rainfall across Kashmir over the past five years. The average rainfall in 2024 was 31.8 percent lower than normal. Shopian, Anantnag, and Kulgam have been particularly affected, with Shopian witnessing a staggering 77 percent rainfall deficit.
Data suggests that changing climate patterns are impacting the region’s water cycle, further reducing the availability of natural water sources. With erratic precipitation and increasing dry spells, reliance on groundwater and spring-fed sources has intensified, putting additional strain on depleting reserves.
The JK government has implemented multiple measures to address the crisis. The Jal Shakti Department has deployed 82 departmental tankers to supply drinking water to affected areas. Additionally, emergency response teams have been set up at the district level to ensure timely assistance.
For irrigation, which depends heavily on surface water, measures such as desilting, channelization of intake channels, and the installation of emergency drought pumps have been implemented to maintain water availability for agriculture.
To mitigate the impact of climate change, the government has launched several initiatives under Jal Shakti Abhiyan’s Catch the Rain campaign. These efforts focus on restoring and protecting natural springs, improving catchment area treatment, and promoting rainwater harvesting.
Research on glacial retreat is also being conducted by institutions such as the University of Kashmir and the Department of Environment and Remote Sensing. Satellite imagery confirms that several glaciers in the region are shrinking, further contributing to the decline in water supply. (KNO)
