As unprecedented water shortage affects power generation the Principal Secretary Power Development Department (PDD), H Rajesh Prasad attributes severe power deficit to a significant decline in river water levels. The persistent dry weather, the lowest water levels recorded in decades, and reduced snowfall are contributing to a dire situation that affects both power generation and daily life. While sharing public concerns over the challenges Government faces in the distribution of power to consumers in Jammu & Kashmir the Principal Secretary Power Says that Government continues to provide 2200 MWs of power, exceeding the available 1400 MWs, with the remaining 700 MWs being obtained through power exchange, reiterating therein that this remarkable commitment is a testament to the PDD’s dedication to ensuring access to electricity. As Jammu and Kashmir’s rivers and streams have seen an alarming decline in water levels in recent years, the situation is especially dire this year, with a historic low in the Jhelum River’s water level, reaching a mere 2.15 feet at Ram Munshi Bagh. This year’s water level is the lowest recorded in decades, with the last comparable instances occurring in 2019 and 2021 when the water level reached an astonishing 0 feet. Endorsing the views of the Government on unprecedented decline in water levels in rivers and streams Mukhtar Ahmad, Deputy Director MET (Meteorological Department) told Kashmir Horizon that the valley has witnessed the second-highest temperatures since 1934 due to the prolonged dry spell this summer, which has led to a severe lack of precipitation. Dr. Mukhtar said in recent years, the region has experienced less snowfall, and the snow that does accumulate is melting earlier than usual, predominantly in May and June. He said the valley has been witnessing climate changes for decades, it is not a new phenomenon. Due to the continuous dry spell, the temperature in September was increased, Dr Mukhtar said.
“Traditionally, heavy snowfall in the Himalayan region provides fresh water for the region as it gradually melts and feeds the rivers during spring and summer. However, in recent years, the region has experienced less snowfall, and the snow that does accumulate is melting earlier than usual, primarily in May and June”
Even the people living in the vicinity of rivers and streams share the concerns of the Government on declining water levels in streams and rivers as Residents living along the riverbanks and houseboats told Kashmir Horizon that they are witnessing such low water levels for the first time. Mehraj Ahmad Dar, a resident of Rajbagh, expressed, “During autumn and winter, it’s common for the water level in the Jhelum to drop, but this is probably the lowest we have ever seen it. Currently, the river’s surface is clearly visible.” This situation is not just an environmental concern but also a pressing issue for daily water needs and agricultural activities. The region’s authorities are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the critical need for timely and sufficient rainfall to alleviate the water crisis in the Kashmir Valley. The declining snowfall in winter and its early melting are also raising concerns about prolonged water scarcity during the peak summer months.
“As Jammu and Kashmir’s rivers and streams have seen an alarming decline in water levels in recent years, the situation is especially dire this year, with a historic low in the Jhelum River’s water level, reaching a mere 2.15 feet at Ram Munshi Bagh. This year’s water level is the lowest recorded in decades, with the last comparable instances occurring in 2019 and 2021 when the water level reached an astonishing 0 feet”.
Rivers like the Jhelum and the Lidder experienced noticeable drops in their water levels in September, which, combined with the lack of rainfall, are causing severe consequences for farmers who rely on these water sources for irrigation. Dr. Irfan Rashid, Senior Assistant Professor at the Department of Geoinformatics Kashmir University, pointed out that Kashmir’s climate is undergoing significant changes. The declining snowfall and early snowmelt are clear signs of climate change’s impact on the region’s water resources, he said. Dr. Irfan said if this trend continues, it could have severe consequences for the livelihoods and ecosystem of the entire region. “The lack of rainfall from August onward and the heatwave in September, breaking 132 records, are alarming indicators for the Kashmir Valley. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Deputy Director of MeT Srinagar Centre, noted the consistent decline in snowfall during the winter months. “Traditionally, heavy snowfall in the Himalayan region provides fresh water for the region as it gradually melts and feeds the rivers during spring and summer. However, in recent years, the region has experienced less snowfall, and the snow that does accumulate is melting earlier than usual, primarily in May and June,” he added. Dr. Mukhtar said that this premature melting of snow is diminishing the water supply to the rivers during the peak water demand season, leading to water shortages affecting agriculture and residents’ daily lives. He emphasized that the valley has been witnessing climate changes for decades, and due to the continuous dry spell, the temperature in September, further exacerbating the water crisis.
