Prolonged dry spell, fluctuating temps raise water resource alarm

Srinagar, Jan 12: Kashmir is currently grappling with fluctuating temperatures and prolonged dry weather, leading to a concerning situation for water resources in the region. Officials and environmental experts attribute these challenges to global warming.
Sanjeev Malhotra, Chief Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department in Kashmir, revealed that the extended dry spell has significantly depleted water sources. Consequently, the department has initiated the supply of drinking water through tankers in various areas across Kashmir. Malhotra stated, “If the water level further drops, we have interventions like dredging for surface water sources and channels to maintain water levels.”
Addressing complaints about drinking water shortages, he mentioned that, in a broader perspective, there is currently no scarcity of water. However, he acknowledged the alarming situation, citing the low gauge at Sangam in August last year, indicating the severity of the crisis. Malhotra expressed hope for relief in higher reaches with potential snowfall in the next 15 to 20 days.
The Chief Engineer emphasized that the reduction in drinking water supply is a result of climate changes.
In September last year, the persisting dry weather in the valley had brought down the water level in Jhelum to a 70-year low in the month. Officials said the valley saw the driest September and it is the second-highest temperature since 1934 in September.
Environmentalist Ajaz Ahmad highlighted the impact of climate change on the region, citing the highest recorded day temperature of 34 degrees Celsius in 2023, significantly exceeding the expected 26 degrees Celsius.
Ahmad pointed out that the hot and dry weather patterns in the previous year had adverse effects on crops, disrupting the distribution of hydrological patterns. He called for urgent attention to climate change issues, particularly in the Himalayan region, where 60 percent lacks weather stations, necessitating thorough studies of weather and climate.
As per experts, last year in February, India witnessed record hot temperature and it is happening due to the emission of fossil fuels in developed countries. “The impact of climate change is still not that much. There are regions across the globe countries and regions across globe which witnessed floods and people faced water crisis and they had to leave and settle somewhere else,” he said.
“The impact of climate change is still not that much. There are regions across the globe countries and regions across globe which witnessed floods and people faced water crisis and they had to leave and settle somewhere else,” he said.
Climate change has also affected crop production, with a decline in apple production compared to the previous year. Dr Irfan Rashid, Senior Assistant Professor at the University of Kashmir, highlighted the dependency of Kashmir’s economy on water resources from glaciers. Changes in these resources significantly impact crucial sectors like agriculture, horticulture, and hydropower generation.
Rashid expressed concern over the conversion of paddy fields into orchards due to water scarcity, emphasising the need for efficient public transport and government efforts to address environmental challenges. The melting glaciers, which serve as the primary water source, pose a threat to future irrigation for agricultural land.
Despite the ban on single-use plastic items, experts noted a lack of enforcement in many areas of Kashmir, contributing to environmental challenges and water pollution. The overall situation calls for immediate attention and comprehensive measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change on the region’s water resources and environment.