Parched Kashmir: Jhelum river and streams hit record-breaking low levels amid dry spell

Srinagar, Nov 7: The persistent dry spell has once again led to the drop in water level in the river Jhelum and streams across the Valley, thereby affecting the water supply as well.
Kashmir, known for its rich natural resources including water, is presently facing a shortage of rainfall for the last few months, which has simultaneously led to the decline in the water level in river Jhelum and other streams as well.
As per the details, Jhelum has recorded the all-time lowest amidst the persistent dry spell, which would likely to continue for the next five days.
A private weather forecaster, Faizan Arif has shared the details, stating that the water level of river Jhelum at Sangam has dropped to -0.82 feet this morning, which is the lowest water level recorded at the station.
At Pampore, the gauge reading according to him was -1.75 meters while at Ram Munshi Bagh Srinagar, it was 1.28 feet and 1.15 feet at Asham, he said, adding that some tributaries of Jhelum were also flowing at a record low level.
As per the details, the water level of Vishow Nallah at Khudwani was recorded at 2.31 m while Rambiyara Nallah at Wachi & Lidder Nallah at Batkoot was recorded at -0.45 m. It added that Doodhganga Nallah at Barzulla was recorded at 0.61 m while Sindh Nallah at Doderhama was at 0.02m.
The record-low water level has simultaneously affected the water supply in many areas of Srinagar and other parts as well. “The time seems to be moving backwards as we have been storing the water again for the day as the supply is not being provided adequately. We get the supply only twice a day and that too for a couple of minutes,” the residents from City areas of Srinagar told.
The officials in Jal Shakti department have admitted the impact on water supply, saying that the water level is quite low, which has affected the supply as well. “It is a natural phenomenon. No human interference can help in ending the persistent dry spell to have adequate water supply,” an official said.
Meanwhile, the weather conditions are expected to remain unchanged for the next five days, but a weak Western Disturbance (WD) would likely impact Jammu and Kashmir around November 11.