Srinagar: Amid
Power outages, Kashmir valley is now grappling with severe water scarcity with people from parts of central, south and north Kashmir protesting since last year.
Reportedly, authorities say that the water scarcity started in September this year when the ‘heatwave’ receded the water levels of the Jhelum River. However, locals say that the water crisis has been in place for many years now.
“Despite residing near the Over Head Tank (A water storage tank built on a Certain Height), the water department has failed to provide drinking water facility to the area,” locals from North Kashmir’s Sopore said.
“Here in Kahmir valley, we have numerous water resources, the officials must utilize these for inhabitants,” a local added.
“It seems that people living in Kashmir don't matter as authorities don't pay any heed despite repeatedly approaching them,” he added further.
When The Himalayan Post contacted Mushtaq Ahmad, Executive Engineer at Jal Shakti Division Sopore, he acknowledged challenges, citing a water plant established in 1990 is struggling to meet the increased demand due to population growth.
He assured a new project is underway to address the issue.
Reportedly, the primary water sources for the Kashmir region include Sindh Nallah, situated 33 kilometers northeast of Srinagar, Nigeen, an eutrophic lake in Srinagar, Sukhnag Nallah, a major water tributary in Kashmir's Budgam, and Doodhganga Nallah, a water tributary that flows through Jhelum and originates in the Pir Panchal. The Jhelum, originating from Verinag, serves as a water body flowing across the entire Kashmir valley.
In addition, local households in the Kashmir valley obtain drinking water from regional water bodies, which undergo filtration through Presebitiling tanks, clear flop operators, and ultimately from a cemetery tank.