Need to enhance water availability
Jammu and Kashmir is grappling with dry conditions since the past many months now and the result of such scenario has meant that many areas across the UT are facing with acute shortage of potable water.
Many areas across the region which are fed through various drinking water schemes using local springs and streams for generating potable water are facing a severe drinking water crisis. The springs and streams have gone dry and as such very little or no water is available for potable use.
The crisis is exacerbated by depleting springs, rivers, and low rainfall, with the Jhelum River’s water level dropping significantly. The tributaries that feed the Jhelum and other major rivers too have gone dry and the crisis is deepening with every passing day.
Climate change, pollution, and over-extraction are major contributors to this issue. Many springs, like Aripal, Nagbal, and Bulbul Nag, have dried up or reduced discharge, affecting thousands of households. Similarly, the Veshaw Nallah a major tributary feeding the Jhelum too is running dry and affecting thousands of households.
Ironically, the region famous for its rivers and other perennial water sources, like natural springs and geysers is struggling to ensure availability of potable water to its residents.
The indications that have been surfacing over the years point out to the fact that we need to get ready and be prepared to face the situation and help ourselves to lessen the impact the situation can have on our very survival.
Mother nature has bestowed us with resources that if taken care of can work wonders for us and help us to face any arising situation with ease. One such measure that needs more attention and promotion is Jal Shakti Abhiyaan – ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign, a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at promoting water conservation and rainwater harvesting.
Reports suggest that Rajouri district in Jammu region has made significant progress under the campaign. Nearly, 3,800 groundwater recharge and water conservation and harvesting structures have been successfully recharged and as a result the achievement has qualified the district for a national-level award.
The move has given rise to the importance of ensuring the long-term sustainability and quality of the assets created under the campaign. This measure has given a new hope to the regions that are water deficient or do not have free access to water streams and Nallas.
Notably, the Ministry of Jal Shakti, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the much-anticipated Jal Shakti Abhiyan: Catch the Rain on the World water day in 2025.
The campaign underscores the importance of water security, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater recharge in the face of climate change and growing water challenges.
The initiative will focus on 148 districts across the country, fostering greater synergy between government agencies, communities, and stakeholders in ensuring the sustainable management of water resources.
For a region like that of Jammu and Kashmir which has many hilly and difficult terrains, the scheme can prove to be a game changer as the region experiences heavy downpour for most parts of the year which can make the scheme quite appealing and transformative.
