Beat the heat!: Kashmiris Flock to Drang Waterfall, Lidder, and Glacial streams
Seek relief as heatwave breaks 20-year record
By: Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: With temperatures in Kashmir touching unbearable highs, residents are turning to natures chill to survive the June heat. Srinagar recorded a blistering 35.5°C, the highest June temperature in 20 years, along with a record 25°C night temperature — making even sleep difficult for thousands.
In response, youth across the Valley are taking to natural streams, rivers, and waterfalls to cool off — with the Drang Waterfall in Tangmarg, Lidder River in Pahalgam, Bringi Nallah in Kokernag, Sundran Stream in Daksum, and Shaliganga Nallah in Budgam emerging as top destinations.
“I couldn’t sit in my room anymore. Even the fan was blowing hot air,” said Tariq Ahmad, 22, from Rawalpora, who travelled with friends to Drang Waterfall. “The moment that cold water hits you, it feels like life comes back into the body.”
At Lidder River, 18-year-old Umar Bashir from Bijbehara said, “We walked two hours just to reach here. There’s no better feeling than lying in this river on a day like this. Electricity is gone, and so is our patience.”
Rafiq Lone, 19, from Kulgam, took a dip in Bringi Stream and said, “This is the real summer escape. There are no fancy pools in our areas — this stream is our natural resort.”
Many came in groups, carrying towels, drinks, and even music speakers. “We planned this like a picnic,” said Shahbaz Mir, 20, from Pampore, who was at Sundran Stream. “There’s no place better right now. The water’s freezing and that’s exactly what we want.”
In Budgam, youngsters were seen splashing in Shaliganga Nallah while older residents looked on. “In the city, you sweat even at midnight. Out here, at least nature gives us some mercy,” said Zeeshan Wani, 21, from Chadoora.
The trend reflects a mix of desperation and celebration — as people look for both relief and reconnection with nature during this climate crisis. Authorities have issued safety advisories, urging people to avoid deep water and be cautious near slippery terrain.
Still, for many Kashmiri youth, these streams are not just water bodies — they are sanctuaries. “In this heat,” Aamir Sofi, 17, from Anantnag said while drying off near Achabal, “this is the only time I have smiled all week.”
