SRINAGAR: A prolonged dry spell has caused an alarming drop in water levels across the Jhelum river and its tributaries in Kashmir, raising fears of a looming water crisis in both rural and urban areas.
With irrigation channels running dry and drinking water supplies shrinking, residents and farmers are growing increasingly anxious.
According to the Irrigation and Flood Control Department, the water level at the Sangam gauge was recorded at just 0.57 feet on Monday morning. At this time of year, Sangam typically records water levels between 5 and 7 feet.
The current reading is not only far below the seasonal average but also a clear indicator of the growing severity of the water shortage. Other gauges showed similarly low figures—2.47 feet at Munshi Bagh, 2.57 feet at Asham, and a worrying 1.29 meters at Pampore.
Tributaries feeding the Jhelum are also showing signs of significant distress. At Wachi, the Rambiyara Nallah dipped to minus 0.43 meters. The Lidder Nallah at Batkoot was at 0.30 meters, while the Sindh Nallah at Doderhama stood at 1.05 meters. These low figures are unusual for early July, when snowmelt and light monsoon activity generally help maintain healthier flows.
Wullar Lake, one of the Valley’s key freshwater bodies, is also running below its seasonal average. It was recorded at 1574.97 meters, compared to its normal level of approximately 1578.00 meters in July. The lake’s diminishing water storage capacity raises additional concerns about long-term water availability if the dry conditions persist.
The Meteorological Department in Srinagar has forecast partly to generally cloudy weather with the possibility of light to moderate rainfall at scattered places from July 1 to 5.
Between July 6 and 8, rain or thundershowers are expected at several locations across the region. However, the absence of a strong and sustained rains pattern remains a concern.
On the ground, the impact of the dry spell is already being felt. In Pulwama, Ghulam Nabi, a local farmer, said the irrigation canal supplying water to their fields has nearly dried up.
“Farmers are panicking. We are watching our crops wilt without knowing when the rains will come,” he said. In Bemina, Srinagar, residents like Ishfaq Ahmad report receiving only limited drinking water through municipal supply lines. “We are surviving on water tankers, but this is not sustainable,” he said.
Chief Engineer of Jal Shakti Kashmir, Er Taj Mohammad Chowdhary, confirmed that the department is monitoring the situation closely. Water tankers have been deployed to areas experiencing disruptions, and further measures are being prepared should the dry spell extend deeper into July.
With no immediate end to the dry conditions in sight, Kashmir enters July on edge. -(The Kashmiriyat)
