Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Dec 13: The prolonged dry spell in Kashmir has pushed several major water bodies to critically low levels, with key gauges at Sangam, Pampore, Lidder and Rambiara recording negative flow readings.
Chief Engineer, I&FC Kashmir, Showkat Hussain, said the continued absence of significant rainfall since October has drastically reduced the discharge in the Jhelum and its tributaries. “At several points, including Sangam, Pampore, Lidder and Rambiyara, water levels have dipped below the zero mark, a sign of how severely the prolonged dry spell has impacted our river systems.”
He said, they are hopefully of wet spell and the situation will change and a relief will come over.
As per updated data of Flood Control (I&FC) Department of December 13, the situation across major gauges stands as below as zero at multiple places.
River Jhelum: Sangam (21’/25′) = –0.62 ft; Pampore (4.5/5.0) = –1.33 m; Munshi Bagh (18’/21′) = 3.64 ft; Asham (14.0’/16.5′) = 1.00 ft and Wullar Lake (1578.00) = 1573.72 m.
About tributaries the data says: Vishow Nallah at Khudwani (7.75/8.50) = 2.33 m; Rambiara Nallah at Wachi (5.4/5.7) = –0.38 m; Lidder Nallah at Batkoot (1.5/1.65) = –0.65 m; Doodhganga Nallah at Barzulla (3.65/3.8) = 0.80 m and Sindh Nallah at Doderhama (3.65/3.9) = –0.02 m.
While a few gauges such as Munshi Bagh, Asham, Vishow and Doodhganga remain marginally above zero, all are showing significantly reduced discharge levels compared to the seasonal average.
The Chief Engineer also said that the department is continuously regulating flow at the Chattabal Weir to maintain a minimum downstream discharge. “If the dry weather persists, it could have implications for both irrigation and drinking water supply. However, we are hopeful that the upcoming wet spell will help restore the water balance,” he added.
