By Shereen Naman
Srinagar- Amidst a prolonged winter dry spell, Kashmir confronts a pressing issue as crucial springs vital for the region’s water supply dwindle. Experts note that the continuous absence of precipitation has led to the recession of water levels in various springs across Kashmir.
Verinag spring, the major source of the Jhelum River, is experiencing a decline in water levels to an extent that the underlying ground’s green layer is becoming visible.
“The valley’s recent extended dry spell has had a negative impact on the main springs, including Verinag and Chashma Shahi. These once-vibrant water sources, which were essential to the region’s ecosystem and water supply, are now feeling the effects of no snowfall,” said Faizan Arif, an independent Meteorologist.
Earth scientist, Professor Shakil A Romshoo also said, “Due to the prolonged dry spell and scanty snowfall in the Kashmir valley this winter, there has been a substantial depletion of surface and groundwater resources. This depletion is evident in the drying of springs observed at various places in the Kashmir valley.”
He added that the decline in snowfall over the last few decades can be attributed to climate change and has contributed to the recent phenomenon of springs drying up in the region, though the situation has become more acute this year.
Romshoo further said that there is hope for improvement in the situation with anticipated precipitation during the typically wetter months of February and March in the Kashmir valley. This expected increase in precipitation may alleviate the impacts of the current water shortage situation.
Pulwama’s renowned springs are also experiencing a drying trend, attributed to a prolonged dry spell in the Kashmir Valley, leading to water scarcity in multiple villages. Aripal Spring in Tral and Bulbul Spring in Newa Pulwama are notably impacted water sources.
Public Health Engineering (PHE) officials in Tral report a steady decline in the water level of Aripal Spring over the past weeks, culminating in its complete depletion. This spring played a vital role as a drinking water source for various supply schemes, contributing to water scarcity in diverse areas. Due to the spring’s exhaustion, the Fisheries Department relocated its fish farm near Aripal Spring to Dobiwan and other locations.
Residents express their ongoing struggle with water scarcity, marking the first significant drop in the water level at Aripal Spring in recent history.
Similarly, Bulbul Spring in Newa village in Pulwama, which has supported a water supply scheme for four decades, has also dried up, leading to water shortages in numerous villages.
Water from these springs is supplied either through direct supply via water pipes to the residents or is extracted using water generators. Alternatively, it is stored in reservoirs and then distributed to the people in a scheduled manner.
Springs are significant hotspots for biodiversity because they are a natural source of groundwater discharge at the topographic surface.
“Springs are vital sources of clean water in rural areas and their depletion can lead to serious shortages, forcing communities to rely on potentially unsafe sources like polluted surface water or deeper wells, increasing the risk of water-borne diseases,” said Faizan Arif, an independent meteorologist.
“A major global threat to springs is the growing demand for groundwater and the effects of climate change. The drying up of springs in the valley has led to changes in agricultural practices as well,” Faizan added.
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