The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Residents of Batamaloo area of central Kashmir's Srinagar district here staged a protest over the acute shortage of water in the locality.

The protesters, mostly women, from Mominabad blocked the road, sat on a dharna, and raised slogans against Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department for almost an hour.

Protesting ladies sat on the road amid scorching heat in a line, forcing the commuters to halt their vehicles.

One of the protesters told the news agency KNT that the Moominabad locality has been facing acute shortage of drinking water and nobody at the helm of affairs is showing interest in addressing the issue.

The protesters said the PHE department has “taken them for a ride, thus leaving no option for them but to stage the protest.”

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.

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.

PULWAMA — The persistent dry spell in the Kashmir Valley has led to the drying up of renowned water springs in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, causing a water shortage in several villages.

As per the news agency KNO, Aripal Spring in Tral and Bulbul Spring in Newa Pulwama are among the affected water sources.

Officials from Public Health Engineering (PHE) Tral said that the water level of the famous Aripal Spring had been decreasing for weeks and has now completely dried up.

The spring served as a vital drinking water source for multiple water supply schemes, and its depletion has resulted in water scarcity in various areas.

The Fisheries Department's fish farm, located near Aripal Spring, had to relocate its fish due to the drying up of the spring. They have now shifted the fishes to Dobiwan and other places.

Officials warn that if there is no snow or rain in the coming weeks, the entire spring could dry up, which would worsen the water shortage problem.

Local residents said they have been grappling with water scarcity for several days due to the reduced water level at Aripal Spring. This marks the first time in recent history that the water level at this prominent spring has dropped significantly.

Similarly, Bulbul Spring in Newa, which has been supporting a water supply scheme for four decades, has also dried up, leading to water shortages in numerous villages.

Locals said there is an immediate need for a well until rain or snowfall replenishes the springs. While the groundwater department identified suitable land for the well, no action has been taken, they said.

Residents of Tral and Newa have urged authorities to address the issue and initiate necessary measures before the crisis escalates further.

Officials said they are exploring alternate arrangements and have deployed tankers to supply water to affected villages so that the people don’t suffer. "Further steps are being taken to alleviate the water crisis," they said.

PULWAMA — Residents of Hakripora village in Kakapora-Newa hamlet in Pulwama district staged a protest on Wednesday against the shortage of drinking water.

The residents told the news agency KNO that their area is without potable water for years now but concerned authorities have been repeatedly ignoring their grievances.

Sameer Ahmad, a local, said that there are few tubewells available in the village and people are forced to use contaminated water from canals.

Locals said that half of the village is already receiving PHE bills even though there is no water facility available.

"So far, we have been only assured but no concrete step has been taken on the ground even though 14 Kanal state land has been kept for the water supply scheme in the area," they said.

They added that there is an issue with the path to the land where the water supply scheme will be established which needs to be cleared but authorities are trying to take the scheme to more villages now.

SRINAGAR — Agriculture sector in Kashmir was affected by climate change as 25 per cent of paddy land remained without a crop this year.

The crisis was triggered by the unavailability of irrigation because of sweltering June, when paddy is cultivated, affecting hundreds of farmers in the region.

A top Agriculture official told the news agency KNO that about 25 per cent of paddy land got affected this year as farmers were unable to sow paddy in the face of irrigation shortage. He said that the spring was very hot due to which there was a water crisis in many areas and farmers were forced to opt to sow other crops.

The official added that if such a situation continues for a few more years, it will be devastating not only for agriculture but all sectors will be hit.

He suggested farmers leave monocropping and adapt multiple cropping so that if crops get affected, they will have a choice in times of crisis. “Farmers must use short duration crops with low-risk factors, low investment and resort to the diversification of agriculture so that they can produce different crops,” he added.

Experts believe that the effects of climate change are likely to increase in the coming times and there is a need to take adaptability measures to lower the effect of climate change.

SRINAGAR — Inhabitants of the Nai Sadak area of Habba Kadal here on Monday staged a protest against the PHE Department for failing to provide adequate water supply to them during the ongoing holy month of Ramadan.

Scores of women from the locality blocked the main road, causing traffic jam in the area.

“For the last one month, we are not getting an adequate water supply. We have been given assurances multiple times by the authorities, but nothing has been done in this regard,” the protesting women told news agency Kashmir News Trust.

They demanded that Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar and top officials of the concerned department look into the matter and redress their genuine demand at the earliest.