Jahangeer Ganaie
Pulwama, Dec 11: The historic Bulbul Nag spring in Newa area of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district has dried up for the second consecutive year, triggering an acute water shortage for several surrounding villages that have long depended on it for drinking and household use.
According to the details available, the drying of the spring — once known for its abundant, crystal-clear flow — has left residents anxious as they say their pleas for alternative water arrangements have gone unanswered.
Locals from Newa, Parigam, Kakapora and other affected areas said the situation has become unbearable. “We never imagined that Bulbul Nag would reach this condition,” said Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of Newa. “This spring fed thousands of people. Now we have to wait for water tankers which arrive after many days.”
Residents said that despite repeated representations, no long-term measures have been taken to restore the water supply system or develop alternative sources. “Last year the authorities assured that they would explore other water supply options, but nothing has changed on the ground,” said Mumtaza Akhter, a homemaker. “We are forced to store every bucket carefully. It has become a daily struggle.”
Officials attributed the drying up of the spring to low precipitation and changing groundwater patterns, but locals insist that mismanagement and lack of preservation efforts have also contributed.
The once-thriving spring has now reduced to a patch of dry earth surrounded by worries as dry weather is expected to continue this month.
They said that government must wake up and wake alternative arrangements at an earliest as such things will be very common now due to climate change.
Residents have renewed their appeal to the administration to act urgently. They demanded the revival of Bulbul Nag, immediate water tanker supply, and the development of alternative water sources, including tube wells or new pipelines from nearby water reservoirs.
“We are not asking for something extraordinary,” said another villager. “Clean drinking water is a basic right. Authorities must treat this as an emergency.”
Locals hope that timely intervention could prevent a deeper crisis as winter progresses and water availability becomes even more challenging. (KNO)
