Save Jhelum before it is too late

The growing concerns over the condition of the River Jhelum should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and the public alike. Often described as Kashmir’s lifeline, the river sustains agriculture, supports livelihoods, replenishes water resources, and forms an integral part of the Valley’s ecological and cultural identity. Today, however, it faces a dual threat: declining water levels and rising pollution. Reports of reduced river flow across several stretches are alarming. Changing climatic conditions, reduced snowfall, erratic precipitation patterns, and prolonged dry spells are affecting the natural hydrological cycle. At the same time, untreated sewage, plastic waste, and other pollutants continue to enter the river, placing additional stress on an already fragile ecosystem. The consequences extend far beyond environmental concerns. A weakened Jhelum threatens irrigation systems that support thousands of farmers, impacts water quality, endangers aquatic biodiversity, and increases risks to public health. Lower water levels also reduce the river’s capacity to dilute pollutants, accelerating ecological degradation. While authorities have acknowledged the problem and initiated conservation efforts, the scale of the challenge demands a far more comprehensive response. Strengthening sewage treatment infrastructure, preventing illegal dumping, protecting catchment areas, and restoring wetlands must become urgent priorities. Equally important is the need for scientific water management and sustained monitoring of pollution sources. Public participation is essential. River conservation cannot be achieved through government action alone. Communities, businesses, educational institutions, and civil society organisations must contribute to protecting this shared resource. The condition of the Jhelum reflects the broader environmental challenges confronting Kashmir. Allowing further degradation would be a costly mistake. Preserving the river is not merely an environmental obligation but an investment in the region’s future. The time for decisive action is now, before the damage becomes irreversible.