Climate change, shrinking snowfall and urbanisation threaten centuries-old water sources
Idrees Bukhtiyar
Srinagar, June 04: For centuries, Kashmir’s crystal-clear springs have been the lifeblood of the valley, providing drinking water, irrigating orchards and paddy fields, and sustaining entire communities. From Verinag and Kokernag in south Kashmir to Chashma Shahi in Srinagar, these natural fountains have shaped the valley’s culture, economy and ecology.
Today, however, many of these once-abundant springs are either shrinking, becoming seasonal, or drying up altogether, raising alarm among hydrologists, environmentalists and local residents.
As the world marks Environment Day on June 5, the worsening condition of Kashmir’s springs serves as a stark reminder of the environmental challenges confronting the Himalayan region.
According to studies and environmental assessments, Kashmir valley is home to nearly 258 identified spring types that support thousands of households and agricultural lands. However, experts warn that a significant number of these springs have witnessed a drastic decline in discharge over the past two decades.
The crisis became particularly visible during the prolonged dry spell of 2024 and 2025 when several renowned springs recorded historically low discharge.
The famous Achabal spring in Anantnag, known for feeding the Mughal Garden and supplying water to numerous villages, nearly dried up last year. The spring, along with the Aripath Nallah, affected nearly 35 drinking water schemes serving dozens of villages.
In Pulwama district, residents of Tral reported that several traditional springs in Rathsuna village had disappeared, while Rahim Darun Naag in Lam village dried up completely.
Other springs showing signs of distress include Verinag, Panzathnag, Sheerbagh, Aripal and Bulbul Nag, all of which have witnessed declining water flow in recent years.
For many residents, the changes are unprecedented. “We never imagined that springs which flowed throughout the year would dry up during our lifetime,” said Tahir Ahmad, a resident of Budgam. “The water level has dropped drastically and people are increasingly worried about future shortages.”
Residents of the mountainous Uri area said that several natural springs, once the primary source of drinking water, have dried up over the years.
“Just a few years ago, we relied on spring water for our daily needs, but these springs have now disappeared. We are left with no option but to depend on contaminated tap water,” said Bashir Bhat, a resident of Garkote village.
According to the reports, Kashmir witnessed nearly an 80 percent precipitation deficit during the winter months of 2025, resulting in significantly reduced snowfall and rainfall across the valley. The deficit disrupted groundwater recharge, which is essential for maintaining spring discharge.
Scientists attribute much of the crisis to changing climatic conditions.
An environment expert warned that prolonged dry spells and reduced snowfall are directly impacting groundwater reserves that feed the valley’s springs. The declining precipitation has weakened the natural recharge process, causing several springs to either shrink or disappear.
While climate change remains a major factor, experts say human interventions have accelerated the decline.
“Illegal riverbed mining, unregulated extraction of groundwater through borewells, rapid urbanisation, deforestation and infrastructure development have disturbed the aquifers that sustain these springs,” said an expert.
Environmental assessments reveal that construction activities around recharge zones, conversion of wetlands, and destruction of forests have reduced the land’s capacity to absorb and store water. As a result, less water reaches underground aquifers during rainfall and snowfall events.
Experts have also pointed to poor waste management and encroachments around spring sites. In many areas, sewage discharge and construction debris have degraded water quality and obstructed natural water channels.
Several states in the Himalayan region have already adopted springshed-based conservation programmes that have improved spring discharge. Environmentalists argue that Kashmir needs a comprehensive mapping and monitoring programme for all major springs before more of them disappear.