The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The Jal Shakti Department on Tuesday issued a stern warning to people with illegal water connections, asking them to regularize their connections within a stipulated period of 10 days or face action.

Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti Kashmir, Vivek Kohli, while talking to the news agency KNO, said that the challenge for the department amid the ongoing intense heatwave is to provide drinking water to every household.

He assured that the department is ready to face any forthcoming challenges that may emerge due to the surging temperatures in the valley. He added that providing drinking water to far-off hamlets is a priority for the department, and fleet tankers have been pressed into service for this purpose.

The Chief Engineer stated that the department is scheduling water supplies properly to ensure that no household faces any scarcity of drinking water. "People need to understand that it is drinking water being supplied for drinking purposes. They should not irrigate lawns or wash vehicles with this water. This causes huge wastage and leads to scarcity. We are urging people to use the water judiciously," Kohli said.

Providing further details, Chief Engineer Jal Shakti Kashmir said that the department requires 76 MGD (million gallons per day) but faces a shortage of six MGDs, supplying only 70 million gallons per day.

"This is because people do not use water judiciously. They make ruthless use of water in kitchen gardens and lawns. This is wrong and must be avoided, particularly in these two to three months when the requirement surpasses the supplies. At the same time, I urge people with illegal water connections to get those connections regularized within 10 days or face action," said the Chief Engineer.

PULWAMA — Concerns escalate in the village of Bellow Dergund, Rajpora area of Pulwama district, as health officials investigate a surge in jaundice cases, particularly among children. The outbreak has prompted urgent action from local authorities following an order issued today by Tehsildar Rajpora.

The order, issued by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir's Revenue Department, directs the deployment of a specialized team to conduct comprehensive testing of the drinking water in the affected village. The team, under the supervision of the concerned authorities, is tasked with analyzing potential contaminants and factors contributing to the spread of the disease. A detailed report outlining findings and recommendations for remedial and preventive measures is expected.

A joint visit by health and Public Health Engineering (PHE) department officials, including BMO Rajpora, was conducted on Friday as per the directive of Tehsildar Rajpora. This visit aimed to assess the situation firsthand and address grievances voiced by villagers regarding the jaundice outbreak.

According to reports, the outbreak has resulted in numerous children being admitted to local hospitals including District Hospital Pulwama. This follows a similar incident in March 2024, where nine individuals tested positive for jaundice in the Dergund Bellow area.

Residents attribute the outbreak to contaminated water supplied from a tubewell. Despite promises of a new water supply scheme, locals claim no action has been taken, and the water tank has remained uncleaned for several years.

An official from the Jal Shakti Department clarified that the village previously received water from both a spring and a tubewell. However, the tubewell recently collapsed, leading to concerns over water safety.

As the authorities continue to investigate the outbreak, the situation remains under close scrutiny as officials are tasked to address the immediate health concerns and implement long-term solutions to prevent future outbreaks.

PULWAMA — As Kashmir celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr, the people of Batpora Rajpora in southern Pulwama district found themselves in the midst of a pressing issue - a severe water shortage persisting for the past 10 days, even on this holy occasion.

Local residents voiced their frustration, stating that despite repeated attempts to reach the Junior Engineer (JE) responsible for water supply, their calls remained unanswered. The antiquated water infrastructure, installed some 70 years ago, has not seen any significant maintenance or upgrades since its inception, leaving the community in a precarious situation.

"Our pleas for assistance have fallen on deaf ears, leaving us without drinking water, even on this significant day of Eid-ul-Fitr," lamented a resident, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Seeking intervention, residents have turned to the District Commissioner (DC) of Pulwama, urging swift action to address the water crisis plaguing their locality.

In a demonstration of their plight, residents staged a protest on Wednesday, coinciding with Eid-ul-Fitr, underscoring the severity of their predicament and the pressing need for immediate resolution.

SRINAGAR — An outbreak of jaundice in Dargund Bellow village in southern Kashmir's Pulwama district has raised concerns as nine persons have tested positive, while many others are having symptoms of the disease.

A health official informed the news agency KNO that the screening process is underway, and nine cases have been confirmed positive for jaundice.

Residents allege that contaminated water is the main reason behind the outbreak of the disease. According to locals, they are receiving water from a water supply sourced from a tubewell, but the water is highly contaminated.

“Authorities had earlier promised a new water supply scheme for the village, but no action has been taken,” they claimed.

They also said the tank of their water supply scheme has not been cleaned for several years. "Despite repeatedly informing the authorities about the issue, we have not received potable water," they said.

Chief Medical Officer Pulwama, Dr Tehmeena, said that nine cases of jaundice have been reported from the village.

"We took water samples, but they came back negative as the Jal Shakti Department had already chlorinated the water," she said, adding, "People should not panic but consume boiled water and maintain proper hygiene.”

Meanwhile, an official of the Jal Shakti Department said that the village was receiving water from a spring and tubewell. While the water from the spring is safe, the tubewell has recently collapsed.

He assured that the concerned department has been contacted, and work is expected to commence on Monday. The official also said that water is being supplied to the village after proper treatment.

PULWAMA — Anger and frustration bubbled over in Dalipora area of southern Kashmir's Pulwama district as residents took to the streets in protest against the Jal Shakti Department's failure to provide clean drinking water.

Early this morning, residents of Dalipora in Pulwama town voiced their grievances through a protest aimed at highlighting the dire water situation plaguing their community.

Speaking to a local news agency, locals expressed concerns over the persistent issue of receiving contaminated water, which has led to significant hardships.

Manzoor Ahmad, a resident, lamented, "We are being forced to consume contaminated water, posing serious health risks and potentially leading to water-borne diseases, especially among children and the elderly."

Maroofa, echoing similar sentiments, stated, "Despite being connected to the water supply scheme, the water we receive is laden with dirt and impurities."

Residents emphasized that despite the presence of multiple water supply schemes in the area, authorities have consistently fallen short in delivering clean and potable water to their doorstep.

Fearful of potential outbreaks of water-related illnesses, residents urged higher authorities to address the issue promptly, highlighting their repeated attempts to draw attention to the matter with little to no response.

As the protest unfolded, residents urged officials to intervene urgently, hoping for swift action to alleviate their plight and ensure access to safe drinking water.

PULWAMA — Residents of Sonzwatter village in southern Kashmir's Pulwama district have demanded potable water in the area.

The residents of the area told the news agency KNO that the area has been facing a water crisis for a long time now but no steps are being taken in this regard.

They said that for years, the residents of the area have been facing inconvenience due to the unavailability of potable water in the area.

Muzzafar Ahmed, a local, said that they have been consuming contaminated water for years as they don't have access to potable water yet.

He said that the government on the one hand is putting emphasis on sanitation while on the other hand, the government has failed in providing potable water to people.

Mohammad Shafi, another local, said that the government had earlier started a water pump but that was later left midway giving locals a very tough time.

Locals said that they have brought this issue to the notice of higher-ups several times but to no avail.

Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Department Pulwama, Nisar Ahmad said that they had explored a tube well in the area but chemical contamination was found in it due to which they are unable to provide water to the area.

He said that Deputy Commissioner Pulwama is providing funds under capex funds in the coming financial year and residents will very soon get potable water.

SRINAGAR — Amidst a prolonged dry spell in Kashmir, approximately 20 per cent of the valley’s potable water supply is “badly affected”, the Jal Shakti Department said on Monday.

Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti, Kashmir, Er Sanjeev Malhotra, speaking with the news agency KNO, said the situation may deteriorate further if there is no immediate wet spell.

He said the impact of the dry spell is more in plain areas which are witnessing a much decline in water supply. “Isolated springs across the valley have also dried up, which has exacerbated the water scarcity issue,” Malhotra said, adding that there is no such problem in higher reaches.

The Chief Engineer said an emergency water supply plan has been initiated for areas having water scarcity. But this is not a permanent solution, he clarified. “For water supply, there is no contingency plan, as water production depends on the availability of water in bodies like rivers and springs,” he explained.

Malhotra further said that there is no problem with groundwater resources.

Meanwhile, meteorological officials have predicted dry weather until January 24 (Wednesday), with generally cloudy conditions and light snow anticipated at isolated higher reaches from January 25-26. From January 27-31, there is a possibility of light to moderate rain or snow in many places, according to MeT.

The valley is currently experiencing 'Chillai-Kalan,' the 40-day harsh winter period, which will conclude on January 29.

Salat-ul-Istisqa prayers to seek rain and snow have been offered across the valley since last week.

PULWAMA — A severe water crisis has engulfed the Kashmir region, triggered by an extended dry winter spell that has severely impacted its water sources, prompting officials to raise urgent alarms about the area's water supply.

The water level of Kashmir's primary river, the Jhelum, has plummeted to an unprecedented low, registering a mere 0.75 feet at the Sangam gauge. The once picturesque view of the river now appears starkly desolate, with sections of the riverbed dry and cracked – a sight never witnessed before. The alarming situation has sparked concerns about the future availability of water in the region.

Sanjeev Malhotra, Chief Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, voiced his apprehension over the dwindling water levels, stating that the water supply is insufficient at the water sources, and they are unable to provide drinking water to their full capacity.

He underscored the impact of schemes relying on the Jhelum, elucidating, "We are digging small trenches to ensure that water is available for the pumps to lift and later for distribution."

Key water bodies supplying drinking water to a vast population, including Sukhnag, Kal Nag, and Dachigam, have experienced reduced discharge, exacerbating the crisis. Experts depict the situation as unprecedented and unavoidable, emphasizing the critical need for rain to replenish these water sources.

The Jal Shakti Department is managing the situation so far and has been dispatching water tankers to areas where the need is felt. However, officials from the department sounded alarm that the situation could deteriorate if the dry weather persists.

It is in place to mention here that the Valley has been under the grip of a prolonged dry spell with minimal snowfall this winter, resulting in a 79% deficit in December 2023 and a 100% deficit in January 2024.

Mukhtar Ahmad, Director of the Meteorological Department, attributed the abnormal weather patterns to the El Niño phenomenon, leading to a dry Himalayan region.

As per his analysis, the prolonged presence of El Niño, persisting for the last two months, is a major contributing factor to the ongoing dry spell. He cites the absence of western disturbances as a primary cause, with no significant relief anticipated in the near future.

Highlighting global atmospheric pressure shifts, he notes that such dry spells are witnessed in intervals of two to three years or even five years.

While a feeble Western disturbance is expected from January 15 to 16, offering slight relief, however, dry weather is predicted until January 20. MeT suggested a potential change after January 25, with various weather models indicating the possibility of rain or snow.

Meanwhile, the region remains on edge, anxiously awaiting relief from the prolonged water crisis.

PULWAMA — The prolonged dry spell in the Kashmir valley has resulted in the depletion of renowned water bodies in south Kashmir, triggering a water shortage in numerous villages.

According to the news agency KNO, several water supply schemes, which rely on springs, wells and other water sources, have either dried up or experienced a significant decrease in water levels.

Mukhtar Ahmad, Executive Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department Division in Awantipora, informed KNO that nearly all the schemes in the division have been adversely affected, which has caused widespread water scarcity.

He said the reduced water level in the Jhelum – a crucial water source for many schemes – has impacted their functionality. "However, efforts are underway, with machines deployed to redirect water to the affected areas where schemes are installed," he added.

To address the challenges, water is now being supplied to different villages at staggered intervals, a departure from the previous practice of simultaneous supply, the engineer said, adding that the diminishing water levels in springs and wells have further intensified the impact on schemes reliant on these sources.

AEE PHE Tral, Rafiq Ahmad, said over 30 villages in the sub-division, which rely on Aripal and Putuna springs, as well as local springs, are grappling with the consequences of the dry spell. He said tanker services are being deployed in areas with heightened demand, and an awareness campaign is being carried out through vehicles equipped with loudspeakers, wherein locals are urged to use drinking water responsibly.

AEE advised the residents to store water and contact Jal Shakti Tral for tanker services if needed.

Executive Engineer Jal Shakti Anantnag, Sareer Ahmad said around 20 water supply schemes in the district were affected due to the prolonged dry period.

Nisar Ahmad, Executive Engineer PHE Pulwama, said that approximately 15 water supply schemes serving around 30 villages have been impacted by the extended dryness.

Er Rasheed and Shahnawaz Ahmad – the Executive Engineers from Shopian and Kulgam divisions, respectively, said efforts were underway to maintain water availability in all areas.

Officials said the situation could worsen without rain in the coming weeks. They said tanker services have been mobilized to ensure water supply, and urged the public to use water responsibly.

Deputy Commissioner Pulwama, Dr Basharat Qayoom, directed the PHE department to explore alternate means of water availability, augment existing sources and tap into new sources to alleviate the ongoing water crisis.

SRINAGAR — The persistent dry spell in Kashmir, especially in the peak time of Chillai Kalan, has cast a shadow on Kashmir’s major water resources including Jehlum and other streams while the water level in all the surface water sources has registered a significant dip.

Talking exclusively to the news agency KNO, Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti Department Kashmir, Sanjeev Malhotra said that the dry spell has already started impacting the water resources here. “In absence of the timely snowfall and rainfall, the water level in all the surface water sources here has reduced,” he said.

He added that the department has been ensuring adequate water supply to the people by resorting to curtailments, but certainly, it is going to impact in the long run. “The snowfall in Chillai Kalan is pivotal to have adequate water, but as this period is going on presently on a dry note, it will have a long-term effect as well,” he said.

Furthermore, he stated that the snowfall during the peak time of Chillai Kalan is important as the snowfall after this period will not have sustainability like today’s period. “Our surface water sources are not getting recharged in the absence of the snowfall and rainfall, so the precipitation at this juncture is a must to get our sources recharged well in advance for the future months,” he said.

Moreover, the weatherman here has predicted a dry spell till January 16 but added that a few feeble Western Disturbances would affect Jammu & Kashmir after January 16. “Dry weather would likely continue till January 16 with cloudy on 12th evening,” Director Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said, adding that a few feeble Western Disturbances are approaching after January 16.

He added that the maximum over many stations of Kashmir region today was 7-8 degrees Celsius above normal while the dense fog over the plains of Jammu would likely continue during the next three days.

Pertinently, the parts of Kashmir continued to witness sub-zero temperatures amidst the ongoing 40-day harshest winter period, Chillai Kalan, which commenced on December 21, 2023 and will end on January 31.

Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 2.4 degrees Celsius. Qazigund, the gateway of Kashmir, also recorded a low of minus 2.6 degrees Celsius while Gulmarg, a famous ski resort, recorded a low of minus 4.6 degrees Celsius.

Pahalgam, a famous tourist place, recorded a minimum temperature of minus 4.4 degrees Celsius. In Kupwara, the mercury settled at minus 4.5 degrees Celsius while in Kokernag, a minimum temperature of minus 1.2 degrees Celsius was recorded.

SRINAGAR — The authorities on Saturday said the water supply in several areas of Srinagar will remain affected on March 14 due to the cleaning of a service reservoir.

According to a notice, as per the news agency KNO, the service reservoir having a capacity of 15 lakh gallons is to be cleaned and in this regard, many areas will not get water supply from 10:00 AM on March 14 to 06:00 AM on March 15.

The areas where water supply will be affected include Chanapora, Natipora, Baghat, Rawalpora, Rambagh, Hafta Chinar, Tulsi Bagh, Gogji Bagh, Wazir Bagh, Solina, Jawahar Nagar, Rajbagh, Humhama and adjacent areas.

Damage to pipes near TRC disrupts water supply to Srinagar areas

Water supply to several parts of Srinagar has got disrupted after damage to pipes near TRC even as authorities said restoration work was going on.

An official told the news agency KNO that the pipeline had got accidentally damaged last night due to the ongoing work taken up under the Srinagar Smart City project. He said men and machinery have been mobilized and are on work to restore the water supply.

The water supply has got affected in areas like Lal Chowk, Khayam, Rajbagh, Khanyar, Safakadal and several other areas.

The official said the water supply will be restored within a few hours.

SRINAGAR — The transfer policy of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir is not applicable to the influential and well-connected Junior Engineers of Jal Shakti Department of Pulwama division.

According to the sources of the department, these engineers are continuing to looting process with the approved contractors in the division and have been able to maintain themselves in the division for more than six years.

As per the rules, a government employee cannot stay at a place of posting for more than two or three years. However, Junior Engineers working in Jal Shakti Division Pulwama and Sub-Division Tahab have been staying in the same division for the last six years.

"To legitimize their long stay in the division and sub-division, what these engineers do is transfer themselves to another sub-division for a few months and later get themselves transferred to the previous division or sub-division,” said a source.

"They do this with the connivance of some senior officers of the department," another source said, adding that some of them have connived with the contractors in this division.

Sources in this department, as per the news agency CNS, revealed that AE Mohd Imran is continuing his position at Sub-Division Tahab and Division Pulwama for more than five years. "While JE Muhammad Maqbool Sheikh and Gulzar Ahmed are also being deputed from Tahab to Pulwama and vice versa."

According to sources in Sub-Division Pulwama, the proof of incompetence is the fact that the engineer posted here, Javed Ahmed Dar and Nazir Ahmad Bhat, were transferred to four places within a period of eight months.

On being contacted, the Chief Engineer of the concerned Jal Shakti Division was not available for comments despite repeated attempts.