As the prolonged dry spell continues to grip the Kashmir Valley, the Jhelum river and its tributaries have seen a noteworthy drop in water levels, raising concerns over irrigation and drinking water availability across the region.
According to data from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department on Monday morning, accessed by the news agency, the water level at Sangam stood at just 0.57 ft, far below the flood alert mark of 21 ft. Other gauges also reported low readings: Munshi Bagh (2.47 ft), Asham (2.57 ft), and Pampore (-1.29 m).
Wullar Lake was recorded at 1574.97 metres, significantly below its average level of 1578.00 metres, according to the data.
It says tributaries are also showing signs of stress, with Rambiyara Nallah at Wachi dipping to -0.43 m, Lidder Nallah at Batkoot at 0.30 m, and Sindh Nallah at Doderhama measuring 1.05 m.
Meanwhile, independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif Keng told that while the situation is not yet alarming, it could worsen if dry conditions persist through July.
“We have seen worse in past years, but if this dry spell continues, we may see shortages, especially in remote and agricultural areas. July is a long month, and we can only hope the monsoon arrives on time,” he said.
Moreover, the Meteorological Department (MeT) Srinagar forecast “partly to generally cloudy” weather with brief spells of rain/thundershower at scattered places, with the possibility of moderate rain at a few places.
The MeT said that from July 01 to 05, there is a possibility of intermittent rain/thundershowers at scattered places, and from July 06 to 08, also a possibility of intermittent rain/thundershowers at many places.
People in many areas have started experiencing problems, saying the irrigation channel in their village is drying up. “Farmers are worried about their crops,” said Ghulam Nabi, a resident of Pulwama.
Ishfaq, a local from Bemina, Srinagar, said they are getting very little water these days. “How long will we survive on tanker supply? The situation is getting worse,” he said.
As already reported by KNO, Chief Engineer Jal Shakti Kashmir, Er Taj Mohammad Chowdhary, said the department is actively monitoring the situation and water tankers have been deployed in various urban areas—(KNO)
