The Drying Springs of Kashmir: A Looming Water Crisis

Sub : Geo

Sec: Indian Physical geography

Why in News

The Kashmir Valley is witnessing an alarming decline in its natural springs, which are critical water sources for local communities, agriculture, and ecosystems. Climate change, human activities, and environmental degradation are accelerating their depletion, leading to concerns about long-term water security in the region.

Role of Springs in Water Supply:

Springs serve as primary sources of freshwater, contributing significantly to drinking water supply, irrigation, and groundwater recharge.
In Kashmir, these springs are locally known as Chasma and Naag, while in other regions they have different names, such as Chhumik in Ladakh, Panihar and Baori in Himachal Pradesh, and Naula and Dhara in Uttarakhand.
Springs emerge from underground aquifers and function through three key zones:
- Recharge Zone: Where precipitation or surface water replenishes the aquifer.
- Transition Zone: Where water moves from the source to the outlet.
- Discharge Zone: Where water emerges as a spring.
Major sources of spring water include:
- Rainwater and melting snow in mountainous regions.
- Surface water from rivers and streams.
- Geological formations such as faults or porous rocks that allow groundwater to flow naturally to the surface.

Karst Springs in Kashmir:

Karst springs, formed in soluble limestone bedrock, play a crucial role in Kashmir’s water system.
Major Karst springs include Kokernag, Sheerbag, Panzathnag, Malaknag, Verinag, Aripal, Martandnag, and Achabal.
Around 258 different types of springs have been reported in the Kashmir Valley.

Threats to Kashmir’s Springs:

Climate Change: The Himalayan region is home to 60% of the world’s five million springs, yet nearly half are drying up or becoming seasonal.
- Over the past four decades, water levels in most streams and rivers have declined by two-thirds.
- In Jammu & Kashmir, the spring-fed River Tawi, which serves 3 million people, has seen its lean season discharge decrease by 0.64 cubic meters per second annually.
- A 65% depletion of water sources has been reported in the region, exacerbating the crisis.

Human-Induced Factors: Erratic rainfall, seismic activity, and ecological degradation due to infrastructure development disrupt water cycles.
- Deforestation reduces groundwater recharge, while over-extraction of groundwater intensifies seasonal drying.
- Unregulated urbanization, road construction, and mining near water sources further strain the aquifers.

Drying Springs of Kashmir:

This winter, springs have exhibited reduced flow or have dried up completely. Illegal mining in nearby streams and riverbed excavation are further exacerbating the crisis.
Achabal Spring: Anantnag district
- Developed into a royal garden by Empress Nur Jahan in the 17th century. For the first time, the spring has dried up, attributed to prolonged dry spells and minimal rainfall.
Bulbul Nag Spring: Newa, Pulwama district
- Once yielding about six lakh gallons daily, its flow has reduced to less than one lakh gallons due to prolonged dry spells.
Panzath Spring: Qazigund area. Reports indicate a reduced flow, raising concerns among local residents.
Aripal Spring: Tral area
Verinag Spring: Anantnag district. Source of the Jhelum River and a notable Mughal Garden. Facing reduced water levels, affecting the Jhelum’s flow.
Sheerbag Spring: Anantnag district. Notable reduction in water flow, impacting local agriculture.
Vaishav Stream: Kulgam district. Significant decrease in water levels, affecting irrigation.
Rambiara Stream: Shopian and Pulwama districts. Experiencing reduced flow, impacting local water supply schemes.
Doodh Ganga Stream: Budgam district. Notable decline in water levels, affecting both agriculture and potable water supply.

Government Initiatives and Policy Measures:

Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Focuses on Source Sustainability to enhance water security.
Springshed Rejuvenation Initiative under PMKSY (WDC-PMKSY 2.0): Aims to revive critical water sources.
NITI Aayog Working Group on Spring Conservation: Established to create an Inventory and Revival Strategy for Himalayan Springs.
The NITI Aayog report stresses the need for a comprehensive Spring Inventory and proposes a Web-enabled platform for mapping and monitoring springs.