Srinagar, July 28: The ongoing heatwave in Kashmir has led to a significant decline in water levels across the region, with the lifeline River Jhelum seeing a dramatic 35% reduction in its flow. This alarming situation has raised concerns about water availability and potential ecological impacts in the valley.
Officials from the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) department have warned that the situation could worsen if the dry spell persists. The current water crisis is not limited to the Jhelum alone; numerous tributaries and smaller water bodies across Kashmir are also experiencing critically low water levels.
Local resident Bashir Ahmad, a farmer from South Kashmir, expressed his concerns: “I’ve never seen the Jhelum this low in my lifetime. Our crops are suffering, and we’re worried about what will happen if it doesn’t rain soon.”
Environmentalists are raising alarms about the potential long-term effects on the region’s ecosystem. Dr. Irfan Rashid, an environmental scientist at the University of Kashmir, stated, “The drying up of rivers can have cascading effects on local biodiversity. We might see changes in fish populations and riparian vegetation if this trend continues.”
However, there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The Meteorological Department has forecast rainfall in the coming days, which could provide some relief. From July 29 to August 4, the region is expected to see a significant dip in temperatures accompanied by rainfall.
An I&FC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “We’re hopeful that the predicted rainfall will help improve the water levels. However, we need sustained precipitation to fully recover from this situation.”
As Kashmir grapples with this water crisis, authorities are urging residents to use water judiciously. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the predicted rainfall will be sufficient to replenish the depleted water bodies and bring relief to the parched valley.
