Mukhtar Ahmad Qureshi
Water is life. Water nourishes our bodies, fields, and ecosystems. And yet, as we celebrate World Water Day, we must use our brains to the water scenario in Kashmir the “Paradise on Earth” still in the equilibrium of a burgeoning water crisis today. As much as the grand rivers, green meadows, and sparkling streams are the nicety of Kashmir, altered climatic conditions, pollution, and mismanagement dominate this natural nicety.
Understanding the Kashmir’s water crisis
Kashmir’s fresh water is sourced from snowmelt glaciers and rivers such as the Jhelum, Sindh, and Chenab. All these sources of water have supported life and livelihood for centuries. In recent times, however, the valley underwent radical change, natural springs are evaporating, glaciers are melting at a shocking pace, and rainfalls have become unpredictable.
Based on studies conducted by various groups, Kashmir has lost nearly 18% of its glaciers during the past decades. Furthermore, valley’s lifeline, Jhelum River, is facing pollution due to untreated sewage, agricultural waste runoff, and indiscriminate dumping of waste. Wetlands such as Hokersar, which were once large and full of life, are disappearing at a fast rate.
Population growth and urbanization pose immense pressure on water infrastructure.
Prime challenges Kashmir is facing currently
1. Climate change and Glacial melting: Global warming has amplified glacial melt in the Himalayas. Glaciers get melted and initially create floods but eventually decrease perennial river flow, which affects irrigation and drinking sources.
2. Water body contamination: Dal Lake, once a symbol of Kashmir’s beauty, is filled with weeds and pollutants. The other lakes and rivers have been converted into dumping grounds for domestic waste and untreated sewage, posing risks to human health as well as aquatic ecosystems.
3. Inefficient water management: Traditional water sources such as Zabo (small catchment reservoirs) and springs have been overlooked. Pipe leakage, unplanned development, and the absence of sophisticated water management infrastructure add to the problem.
4. Depletion of groundwater: Excess extraction of groundwater in bulk through bore wells by unauthorized developers in urban zones like Srinagar is draining underground resources.
A water secure Kashmir
1. Preserving glaciers and catchment zones: Glaciers and catchment zones of Kashmir have to be declared as eco-sensitive zones. Community monitoring, plantation campaigns, and stopping degrading activities within the zones can save water bodies.
2. Desilting and restoring water bodies: Dal Lake, Wular, and other large water bodies are waiting to be restored. The government needs to be complemented by people’s action. Enforcing effective pollution control law and the establishment of sewage treatment plants.
3. Saving water in routine life: It is our ethical responsibility to develop such a habit like saving water, mending leakages, and preserving water for use in the garden or home. Water harvesting, as it used to be years ago, needs to be promoted in villages as well as cities.
4. Incentivising water saving farming: The economy of Kashmir is agro based. Drip irrigation should be popularized among farmers along with water saving crops. Trainings should disseminate the science of water saving among them.
5. Climate action and policy making: Climate adaptation should be integrated into governments’ policies concerning water. Such investment can be in the form of clean energy, wetland conservation, and climate resilient infrastructure.
6. Education and awareness: As it is World Water Day, it is mandatory that all the colleges of Kashmir, school going students, and social organizations have to launch awareness drives. The children have to be sensitized about the water scarcity and encouraged to become water warriors.
Our role as Kashmiris
Water is a common heritage. You are a policymaker, farmer, teacher, student, shopkeeper, every action matters. Switch off the tap while brushing your teeth, don’t contaminate water bodies, collect rainwater, and sit with your children and discuss water conservation.
Policy reforms are important, but action by the people will determine our fate. Small actions like participating in lake cleaning drives, reporting illegal pollution, and volunteering for NGOs involved in water conservation will save Kashmir’s water legacy.
World Water Day is not only a celebration of water’s importance, but an appeal for assistance. Kashmir’s lakes, rivers, and glaciers are crying out for assistance.
The Lake Conservation and Management Authority (LCMA) is playing a vital role in the preservation and restoration of the iconic water bodies of Srinagar like Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, and other waterways. Their efforts include:
Continuous cleaning and de-weeding of lakes.
Rehabilitation of families living in lake interiors to prevent pollution.
Demolition of illegal constructions around water bodies.
Promoting eco friendly tourism and preserving biodiversity.
Raising public awareness about the importance of water body conservation.
At the same time, the Jammu & Kashmir Department of Jal Shakti is also working diligently to:
Ensure the supply of clean and safe drinking water to every household.
Strengthen water infrastructure through filtration plants, pipelines, and reservoirs.
Implement Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) for 100% water supply coverage.
Promote water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable use of water resources.
Both these departments are complementing each other to preserve nature’s water resources and provide clean drinking water, ensuring a healthy and sustainable environment for future generations.
Let us not permit a crisis at every doorstep. Let Kashmir be the pioneer rather, to get water conservation people’s movement a drop at a time.
As goes the saying, “Jal hai to kal hai” There is a future if there is water.
Let us conserve Kashmir’s water for tomorrow’s years.
(The author hails from Boniyar, Baramulla and can be reached at [email protected])
