Save water

Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a critical phase in absence of adequate rainfall as the reports have mentioned that the past 50 days of this year have ended up with 83 per cent deficit rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir. However, the two phases of winter including Chillai-Kalan and Chillai-Khurd have failed to bring any major wet spell in the region, causing a worrisome situation with the river Jhelum and streams flowing below zero level. The deficit rainfall has resulted in apprehensions about the possible water crisis in the coming months. Despite the deficit rainfall, the melting of snow in the upper reaches, spurred by a rise in temperatures, has eased the crisis with the officials clarifying that snowmelt has played a crucial role in maintaining the water supply. But, it cannot be tackled with this manageable position in the months to come as the possible water scarcity needs to be prevented by using the water judiciously. Besides, the requisite measures including improved water storage infrastructure, rainwater harvesting initiatives, adoption of water conservation practices, rethinking water distribution systems, climate-resilient farming and public awareness campaigns are key at this juncture to ensure the water supply is not affected in the future. The Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has himself stated that J&K is staring at a water crisis this year, and he will be reviewing the measures the Jal Shakti (PHE) Department intends to take to address the situation. Therefore, it is high time for both the government and the public to act swiftly, before it is too late.