We cannot survive without water
The unusual change in the weather patterns in Kashmir has caused concerns among environmentalists as the region’s water systems are facing severe stress.
Kashmir’s lifeline, the River Jhelum is delivering a stark and unsettling signal. At Sangam in south Kashmir — the river’s most critical hydrological gauge — the Jhelum was flowing at minus 0.71 feet, an extraordinary low for the heart of winter and a warning that the valley’s water system is under severe stress.
The year ends amid an unusual and worrying absence: the plains of Srinagar have yet to receive any significant snowfall. Winter, traditionally a season of replenishment, has so far failed to recharge the river, leaving the Jhelum thin, sluggish and visibly strained as it flowsthrough the Valley.
The sub-zero readings at Sangam mean the river is flowing below its natural base level, drastically reducing downstream discharge. The impact is evident across the basin. At Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar, levels hovered just above 3.6 feet, while Asham in north Kashmir recorded barely 1.08 feet, far below seasonal norms. Several feeder streams, including the Lidder and Rambiara nallahs, have reported negligible to negative flows, further starving the main channel.
The fact is so worrisome that the trend itself may leave a huge impact on the environment in the region. We are experiencing hotter summers and dry winters in the UT and this phenomenon is becoming a new normal since many years now.
Notably, given the experiences of past several years, the world it seems is heading towards witnessing increase in the number of hot days during a year. This means that our water sources remain stressed alarmingly and Kashmir cannot remain an exception to this fact.
Notably, the study conducted by the international collection of climate scientists, World Weather Attribution, and the US-based Climate Central teamed up to study heat waves using computer simulations to calculate just how much of a difference the landmark accord has made in terms of one of the biggest climate effects on people.
Similarly, during winters the world is witnessing less downpour causing much greater concerns and worries for the entire human race.
In Kashmir where the main source of water, the river Jhelum records minus levels in December, it signals a breakdown in the recharge cycle. Delayed snowfall, reduced glacier contribution and rising temperatures are converging to weaken the Jhelum far earlier than expected.
The absence of snowfall by the last day of December has heightened concern among farmers, environmentalists and water managers alike. Snowfall not only sustains winter river flows but also ensures groundwater recharge, spring revival and soil moisture ahead of the spring sowing season.
With the snow still missing, natural springs across Pulwama, Shopian, Budgam and parts of north Kashmir have weakened or dried, raising fears of drinking water shortages in the months ahead.
Along the embankments in Srinagar, the river’s retreat is impossible to ignore. Exposed sandbars, narrowed channels and low-drafted houseboats tell a quiet but powerful story.
However, we need to ponder over such a phenomenon and resolve to help start a change. Today is the time to act for tomorrow can be too late.
