Kashmir's Lifelines Drying Up: Water Crisis Deepens As Springs Vanish

(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Kashmir is facing a severe water crisis as several of its renowned natural springs have dried up due to a prolonged dry spell. The most recent casualty is the Bulbul Nag spring in Newa, Pulwama, which formerly sustained nearly 40 villages. This spring, a lifeline for generations, once yielded approximately six lakh gallons of water daily, but its flow has dwindled to less than one lakh gallons, leaving thousands struggling.

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This alarming situation mirrors the fate of other vital springs: the Achabal spring in Anantnag, a historic Mughal-era site, has ceased flowing entirely, and the Dilnag spring in Tral, another crucial water source, has been reduced to a lifeless pit due to dwindling water levels and pollution.

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The main reason behind this crisis is the 79% rainfall deficit in Jammu and Kashmir from January 1 to February 12, 2025. The region received only 29.8 mm of rainfall, far below the usual 140 mm, leaving springs and rivers without enough water.

The lack of snowfall has also hurt winter tourism, with a 30-50% drop in tourist arrivals. The much-awaited Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, set for February 22-25, had to be postponed due to the poor snow cover.

Read Also Omar Abdullah Stresses On Climate Change Awareness Kashmir's Water Crisis: What Lies Ahead?

The crisis is affecting not just springs but also Kashmir's biggest river, the Jhelum. At Sangam, the river is flowing at just 0.99 feet, one of the lowest levels ever recorded. This is causing serious water shortages, especially in north Kashmir, where villages like Jetty, Dangerpora, Saloosa, Pakipora, and Inderpora are struggling to get clean water.

Experts warn that this is just the beginning. Mushtaq Pahalgami, an environmental activist, says the drying up of springs could lead to even bigger problems:

“If the springs in the plains have dried up, soon the high-altitude lakes in the mountains will also disappear. Climate change is happening too fast. Kashmir's three major glaciers are melting at a much faster rate. The land is already too dry, so even if it snows, it won't be enough to bring back the lost water. The weather cycle is changing unpredictably.”

Villagers Recall The Past

People who have lived in these villages for decades say they have never seen anything like this before.

Abdul Majid, an elderly resident of Newa, said,“I have never seen Bulbul Nag dry in my lifetime. This spring was everything to us. Now, we have to depend on water tankers and borewells, but even those are running low.”

Another villager, Fayaz Ahmad from Parigam, shared his fears, and said,“Our fathers and grandfathers lived off these springs. They provided drinking water, helped us farm, and kept our fields green. If this continues, our crops will fail, and we won't have anything to eat.”

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also raised concerns on social media X, warning that Kashmir is heading towards a major water crisis.

“This crisis has been building up for years. The government must take serious action, but it is not just their responsibility. We all need to be more careful with how we use water,” he wrote.

He also said he would review the plans of the Jal Shakti Department and speak with the people of J&K to find possible solutions.

Worst Rainfall Deficit In 8 Years

From December 1, 2024 to February, 20, 2025, Kashmir has recorded the worst-ever rainfall deficit in the past eight years.
The data reveals that the Valley has witnessed 70% deficit rainfall between December 2024 to February 2025.
The data states that 2019 was the only year with 60 per cent rainfall above normal in between December and February.
In 2018, a total deficit of rainfall between December to February was 30 per cent, reads the data.
However, in the preceding year 2019, Kashmir recorded above 60 per cent precipitation from the normal scale. The rainfall of above 300 mm was recorded during the period.
On the contrary, the region started witnessing a decline trend in precipitation till the year 2025.
In the year 2020 and 2021, the Kashmir region recorded precipitation of below ten percent.
Likewise, in the year 2022, the precipitation of 10 percent was recorded.
As per the data the deficit rainfall during the period has been witnessed persistently. In the year 2023, there was a deficit of ten percent rainfall in the months between December to February.
In the year 2024, Kashmir recorded a deficit rainfall of 40 per cent.
However, the highest deficit precipitation has been recorded in the ongoing year as the region has witnessed a deficit rainfall of 70 percent. This year has witnessed the lowest precipitation in the last eight years since 2018. From December 2024 to February 2025, a rainfall of 50 mm was recorded, the official data revealed.
Pertinently, in the first 50-days of the year 2025 Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a rainfall deficit of 83 percent thus posing a risk of severe water scarcity in the coming months.
From January 1, 2025 to February 19, 2025, J&K has recorded a rainfall of just 29.8 mm against the normal precipitation of 175.8 mm. i.e. only the 17% precipitation. –With additional reporting by KNO

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