Srinagar, Mar 27 (KNO): Concerns over water scarcity in Kashmir, driven by declining groundwater levels, receding glaciers and depleting springs affecting water availability across the region, are evident in the data presented in the Lok Sabha.
While the government has stated that there is no widespread water crisis, reports confirm that several springs have dried up, causing drinking water shortages in specific areas.
According to the data available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the recent precipitation has helped recharge some natural water sources, improving availability in certain areas. However, the long-term trends indicate significant declines in water reserves, raising concerns over sustainability.
It also said that a comparison of spring discharge rates between November 2023 and November 2024 shows a sharp decline in several key locations. In Baramulla’s Colony Bagh area, the discharge rate has dropped by over 74%, while Srinagar’s Cheshmashahi spring recorded a nearly 10% decrease. Similarly, in Kulgam’s Parigam Bala, spring discharge fell by over 42%, indicating stress on the region’s water sources, it added.
However, some areas, such as Ganderbal, have seen an improvement in spring discharge. In Tengpora Giraj, Ganderbal, the discharge rate tripled, while in Gohbal, the water output increased by 20%. These variations highlight 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 last 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, for instance, the available groundwater dropped by nearly 88% between 2020 and 2024. Kupwara saw an 81% decline, while Baramulla recorded a reduction of nearly 70%.
On the other hand, Bandipora reported an increase in groundwater availability, with a rise of 80% over the same period. The variations across districts suggest that while some areas may be benefiting from local recharge, others continue to face severe depletion, making water management a critical concern.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has provided annual precipitation data for the past five years, showing a consistent decline in rainfall across Kashmir. The average rainfall in the region has dropped by 31.8% in 2024 compared to the normal annual precipitation levels. Districts like Shopian, Anantnag, and Kulgam have been particularly affected, with Shopian witnessing a staggering 77% deficit in rainfall.
The data suggests that changing climate patterns are impacting the region’s water cycle, further reducing the availability of natural water sources. With erratic precipitation patterns and increasing dry spells, reliance on groundwater and spring-fed sources has intensified, putting additional strain on already depleting reserves.
The J&K government has taken multiple measures to address the ongoing water challenges. The Jal Shakti Department has deployed 82 departmental tankers to supply drinking water to areas facing shortages. Additionally, emergency response teams have been set up at the district level to coordinate efforts and ensure that affected communities receive timely assistance.
For irrigation, which is heavily dependent on surface water, measures such as desilting, channelization of intake channels, and the installation of emergency drought pumps have been implemented. These steps are intended to maintain water availability for agricultural purposes, particularly during periods of low precipitation.
To address the broader impact of climate change on water resources, the government has launched several initiatives under Jal Shakti Abhiyan’s "Catch the Rain" campaign. These include efforts to restore and protect natural springs, improve catchment area treatment, and promote rainwater harvesting as a means of supplementing local water availability.
Also, research on glacial retreats is being conducted by institutions such as the University of Kashmir and the Department of Environment and Remote Sensing. Satellite imagery analysis has confirmed that several glaciers in the region are shrinking, further contributing to the reduction in water supply—(KNO)