Jhelum Water Levels Dip Sharply Amid Prolonged Dry Spell in Kashmir

SRINAGAR: A prolonged dry spell continues to grip the Kashmir Valley, leading to a significant drop in the water levels of the Jhelum river and its tributaries, raising concerns over irrigation and drinking water supply across the region.

According to data from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department on Monday morning, the water level at Sangam stood at just 0.57 feet, far below the flood alert mark of 21 feet. 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, the data showed.

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.

Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif Keng told KNO that while the situation is not yet alarming, it could worsen if the 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.

Meanwhile, the Meteorological Department (MeT) Srinagar has forecast “partly to generally cloudy” weather with brief spells of rain or thundershowers at scattered places and the possibility of moderate rain at a few locations.

The MeT added that between July 1 and 5, there is a possibility of intermittent rain or thundershowers at scattered places, and between July 6 and 8, such activity may occur at many places.

Residents in several areas have started experiencing problems. “The irrigation channel in our 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 receiving very little water these days. “How long will we survive on tanker supply? The situation is getting worse,” he said.

As previously 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)