Umaisar Gull Ganie
Anantnag, Feb 21: The famous spring at the tourist spot Achabal in Anantnag, which had dried up for the first time in history, has rejuvenated and returned to its original state.
Locals expressed relief that the water flow has been fully restored.
“It is heartening to see the spring replenished. I believe it is due to prayers. Even though the temperature was high and no rain or snowfall was expected in the valley, this revival feels miraculous,” Mohammad Ashraf, a local, said.
Residents called for preserving water bodies. “Our lives depend on water. The coming generations will never forgive us, as we have spoiled and destroyed our water bodies,” said another resident.
Achabal spring supplies water to over 15 Jal Shakti water supply schemes.
Assistant Executive Engineer of Jal Shakti Sub-Division Anantnag, Gowhar Hussain Ganie, said that the water supply has been restored in the spring and is running smoothly. “All water supply pipelines are functioning properly now,” he said.
The Achabal Mughal Garden, built in the 17th century by Noor Jahan, wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, has long been a major tourist attraction due to its lush greenery and flowing springs.
Assistant Floriculture Officer Imran Ahmed said there has been a rise in tourism compared to a decade ago. “Tourism boomed, especially after COVID. Achabal alone recorded around 1.75 lakh visitors in July last year,” he said.
