Kashmir needs sustainable water management strategies
By: Mohammad Hanief
Undoubtedly effects of climate change are clearly visible in Jammu and Kashmir. The problem has been exacerbated by less snow in peak winter period as it was responsible for recharging of springs and water bodies. The prolonged dry spell has led to depletion of water in river Jhelum which is considered to be the lifeline of Kashmir.
In Kashmir, climate change poses significant threats to water resources, including glacier melting, altered precipitation patterns, and increased water scarcity, necessitating urgent water conservation efforts and adaptation strategies.
Sustainable water management strategies are essential to address the water challenges in regions like Jammu and Kashmir. Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) emphasizes a comprehensive approach that takes into account ecosystems, communities, and agriculture to ensure balanced water usage. Techniques like rainwater harvesting are crucial for collecting and storing rain in areas facing water shortages, while nature-based solutions such as restoring wetlands and reforesting enhance water retention and filtration.
Additionally, smart irrigation systems and water recycling in farming and cities support conservation efforts, improving the efficiency of water use. With climate change disrupting water supply, proactive planning, technological advancements, and policy-driven actions are vital for securing water resilience in both urban and rural areas.
Jammu and Kashmir nestles in the fragile Himalayan Ecosystem and is exposed to natural fluctuations in climate and human-induced changes due to large-scale urbanization. Biodiversity loss and water stress owing to climate change are the greatest challenges for the union territory for a few decades.
Climate change poses a serious threat to species diversity, habitats, forests, wildlife, fisheries, and water resources in the region. The numerous wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir support 20% of the known range of biodiversity in the region and are adversely affected.
The rate of recession of glaciers is reportedly varying which is being attributed to winter precipitation climate warming and anthropogenic elements. Temperature, precipitation, and cold wave are most likely to significantly impact the agriculture sector and enhance its vulnerability. The deficit in food production is growing in recent times in Jammu & Kashmir. With the reduction in rainfall, rain-fed agriculture will suffer the most.
Weather and climate variability have a profound influence on human health. The impact of climate change on human health is likely to be multifaceted involving the increased incidence of vector, water, and food-borne diseases, malnutrition and undernourishment, injuries and death caused by extreme hydrogeological events, and thermal stress.
Temperature, precipitation, and humidity have a strong influence on the reproduction, survival, and biting rates of the mosquitoes that determine malaria and dengue fever, and temperature effects on the life-cycle of the infectious agents themselves. The same meteorological factors also influence the transmission of water and food-borne diseases such as cholera and other forms of diarrhoeal diseases.
The vulnerability due to the incidence of diseases or hazards will however depend upon the level of exposure, sensitivity, and the coping capacity of the populace. Short-term impacts of climate change are likely to magnify the existing socio-economic threats due to rapid urbanization, population growth, poverty, health infrastructure, contamination of air and water, unplanned urbanization, and issues of solid and liquid waste management resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Long-term climate change impacts will exacerbate the existing stress while undermining growth and development.
Gradual and widespread climate changes with major impacts have occurred repeatedly in Jammu and Kashmir in the recent past. Although climate changes can occur for many reasons, it is conceivable that human activities are forcing an increase in the probability of large, abrupt events. Such changes in climate conditions might have natural causes or could be triggered by humans. Interactions of global climate change, air pollution, and extreme weather conditions have visible repercussions on the ecosystem manifested through multiple sectors including health.
Lakes like Dal, Wular, and Manasbal are shrinking due to fewer water inflows, increased siltation, and encroachments. Rivers such as the Jhelum, Doodganga, Sindh, and Chenab are experiencing reduced flows, particularly during peak periods, affecting agriculture, drinking water, and energy production. Traditional springs, previously important for local communities, are diminishing due to groundwater depletion and deforestation in recharge areas.
The region has also encountered extended dry spells, especially in winter, which disrupts snow accumulation, a critical source for summer water. Annual rainfall has decreased, with unpredictable patterns causing both droughts and sudden floods, further straining water availability. The causes of these issues include climate change, leading to higher temperatures, glacial melting, changing rainfall patterns, and increased evaporation rates. Rapid urbanization and deforestation are disrupting natural water recharge while excessive groundwater extraction and inefficient agricultural practices worsen the situation.
To counter these challenges, strategies such as rainwater harvesting, smart irrigation, and wastewater reuse are important. Large-scale management of watersheds, focusing on forest conservation and wetland restoration, is also crucial.
Stronger policies regarding water use, urban planning, and control of encroachments, along with community participation in conservation efforts, are necessary for long-term water security in the region. A collaborative approach is essential for Jammu and Kashmir to deal with the water crisis and adapt to changing climate conditions. A collection of perspectives on climate change in India outlines the need for greater debate on the links between climate change and development processes.
Climate change is no longer a worry for the environment. It has emerged as the world’s most significant developmental problem. Its economic consequences, particularly for the poor, make it a key governance concern. Climate change is defined as: “a change of climate which is attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere and which is in addition to natural climate variability observed over comparable time periods.” It affects social and environmental determinants of health like – clean air, safe drinking water, sufficient food, and secure shelter.
Climate change may negatively affect human health in several ways, but the most commonly experienced are increased frequency and intensity of heat waves leading to a rise in heat-related illnesses and deaths, increased precipitation, floods, droughts, and desertification costing lives directly.
High temperature is known to increase the level of ‘ground level ozone’ and other ‘climate-altering pollutants’ other than carbon dioxide, which further exacerbates cardio-respiratory and allergic diseases and certain cancers. Besides these, there is an increase in the transmission and spread of infectious diseases, changes in the distribution of water- borne, food-borne, and vector-borne diseases, and effects on the risk of disasters and malnutrition.
Community awareness programs can play a vital role in educating people about the importance of water conservation and the steps they can take to contribute to this cause. The rising temperatures in Kashmir have highlighted the urgent need for judicious water usage. By adopting responsible water management practices and supporting equitable distribution efforts are essential for sustainable water management and the well-being of the community.
One of the most effective ways to tackle water scarcity is through comprehensive public awareness campaigns. These campaigns can educate citizens about the importance of water conservation and the practical steps they can take to reduce water usage. By utilizing various media platforms such as television, radio, newspapers, and social media, it can reach a broad audience and convey critical messages about water conservation.
(The author can be mailed at m.hanief@gmail.com)
