Drying springs in Kashmir’s Pulwama district spark water shortage crisis

PULWAMA — The persistent dry spell in the Kashmir Valley has led to the drying up of renowned water springs in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, causing a water shortage in several villages.

As per the news agency KNO, Aripal Spring in Tral and Bulbul Spring in Newa Pulwama are among the affected water sources.

Officials from Public Health Engineering (PHE) Tral said that the water level of the famous Aripal Spring had been decreasing for weeks and has now completely dried up.

The spring served as a vital drinking water source for multiple water supply schemes, and its depletion has resulted in water scarcity in various areas.

The Fisheries Department’s fish farm, located near Aripal Spring, had to relocate its fish due to the drying up of the spring. They have now shifted the fishes to Dobiwan and other places.

Officials warn that if there is no snow or rain in the coming weeks, the entire spring could dry up, which would worsen the water shortage problem.

Local residents said they have been grappling with water scarcity for several days due to the reduced water level at Aripal Spring. This marks the first time in recent history that the water level at this prominent spring has dropped significantly.

Similarly, Bulbul Spring in Newa, which has been supporting a water supply scheme for four decades, has also dried up, leading to water shortages in numerous villages.

Locals said there is an immediate need for a well until rain or snowfall replenishes the springs. While the groundwater department identified suitable land for the well, no action has been taken, they said.

Residents of Tral and Newa have urged authorities to address the issue and initiate necessary measures before the crisis escalates further.

Officials said they are exploring alternate arrangements and have deployed tankers to supply water to affected villages so that the people don’t suffer. “Further steps are being taken to alleviate the water crisis,” they said.