Srinagar- Amidst the prolonged dry spell, Kashmir valley finds itself grappling with far-reaching consequences in different sectors including tourism, agriculture and electricity. However, the most palpable and urgent repercussions have emerged in the form of water scarcity, compelling people to hit the streets in many areas of north Kashmir.
In a brief chat with Kashmir Observer, Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti Department Kashmir, Sanjeev Malhotra said that the persistent dry spell in the Kashmir Valley has led to the drying up of major water resources and they have already started supplying drinking water tankers in many areas of Kashmir.
Malhotra said that the ground water resources need to be recharged to supply the water through-out the year.
“The snowfall in the peak Chillai-Kalan period is vital for these resources to get re-charged, otherwise it will have a long term impact not only on drinking water but on electricity as well,” Malhotra said.
While appealing people to use the drinking water judiciously, Malhotra said there can be a severe water crisis if the dry spell continues.
When asked about the reports of scarcity of drinking water pouring in from different areas of Kashmir with people blocking the roads to press their demands, Malhotra reiterated that the shortage of water is inevitable where surface water sources are not adequate.
“I mean to say, this is something that I can’t produce in a factory. People need to understand it. But as of now, wherever people complain of shortage of drinking water, we press water tankers to meet the demands,” he added.
Malhotra, however, acknowledged that “people are feeling the pinch” because the water they were using for different purposes including kitchen garden, car washing, house cleaning etc. isn’t there. “For drinking, we have sufficient supply,” he said.
When asked about the plans to meet the demands through-out the year, if these conditions persists, Malhotra said, “as of now we have no plans but if there is water scarcity, we have to supply drinking water through tankers.”
The top engineer, however, was quick to add that they can’t provide water meant for other purposes but only drinking purposes.
He further said if the situation demands, they can go for dredging for collection of water and go for pumping in rural areas. He said the department also has reservoirs in every division.
“But let’s hope it snows during the Chillai-Kalan period only,” he added.
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