NATURAL SPRINGS IN KASHMIR: GEORAPHY

NATURAL SPRINGS IN KASHMIR: GEORAPHY

NEWS: Could J&K face a water shortage in the summer? Here’s what to know about the dry winter in the Valley

 

WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?

The Kashmir Valley is facing a sharp decline in its natural springs, which are vital sources of water for local communities, agriculture, and ecosystems.Factors like climate change, human activities, and environmental degradation are accelerating their depletion, raising concerns about long-term water security in the region.

 

Decline of Natural Springs in Kashmir: Causes, Impact, and Conservation Efforts

Significance of Springs in Water Supply

  • Primary Freshwater Sources: Springs serve as crucial sources of drinking water, irrigation, and groundwater recharge.
  • Regional Names:
  • In Kashmir, springs are known as Chasma and Naag.
  • In Ladakh, they are called Chhumik.
  • In Himachal Pradesh, they are referred to as Panihar and Baori.
  • In Uttarakhand, they are known as Naula and Dhara.
  • Functioning of Springs:
  • Recharge Zone: Area where precipitation or surface water replenishes the underground aquifer.
  • Transition Zone: Water moves from the recharge area to the discharge point.
  • Discharge Zone: The point where water emerges as a spring.
  • Sources of Spring Water:
  • Rainwater and melting snow from mountains.
  • Surface water from nearby rivers and streams.
  • Geological formations, like faults or porous rocks, that allow groundwater to naturally reach the surface.

 

Karst Springs in Kashmir

  • Karst Springs form in soluble limestone bedrock, playing a crucial role in Kashmir’s water system.
  • Major Karst Springs in Kashmir:
  • Kokernag
  • Sheerbag
  • Panzathnag
  • Malaknag
  • Verinag
  • Aripal
  • Martandnag
  • Achabal
  • Diversity of Springs: The Kashmir Valley has around 258 different types of springs.

 

Major Threats to Kashmir’s Springs

1. Climate Change Impact

  • The Himalayan region is home to 60% of the world’s five million springs, but nearly half of them are drying up or becoming seasonal.
  • Water Level Decline: Over the past 40 years, water levels in most streams and rivers have dropped by two-thirds.
  • Spring-fed River Tawi (Jammu & Kashmir):
  • Serves around 3 million people.
  • Lean season discharge is decreasing by 0.64 cubic meters per second annually.
  • Overall Water Source Depletion:
  • 65% depletion of water sources has been reported in the region.

2. Human-Induced Factors

  • Erratic Rainfall & Seismic Activity: Disrupt natural water cycles.
  • Deforestation: Reduces groundwater recharge and worsens water scarcity.
  • Unregulated Urbanization & Infrastructure Development:
  • Road construction, mining, and riverbed excavation disrupt groundwater flow.
  • Over-extraction of groundwater leads to the seasonal drying of springs.

 

Drying Springs of Kashmir: Alarming Cases

  • Achabal Spring (Anantnag District):
  • Developed into a royal garden by Empress Nur Jahan in the 17th century.
  • For the first time, it has dried up due to prolonged dry spells.
  • Bulbul Nag Spring (Newa, Pulwama District):
  • Previously produced six lakh gallons daily, now reduced to less than one lakh gallons.
  • Panzath Spring (Qazigund Area):
  • Reports indicate a significant decline in flow, raising concerns among locals.
  • Aripal Spring (Tral Area):
  • Flow has drastically reduced, affecting agriculture and drinking water supply.
  • Verinag Spring (Anantnag District):
  • Source of the Jhelum River and part of a Mughal Garden.
  • Declining water levels are impacting the Jhelum River’s flow.
  • Sheerbag Spring (Anantnag District):
  • Significant water reduction, affecting local agriculture.
  • Vaishav Stream (Kulgam District):
  • Facing major depletion, affecting irrigation-dependent communities.
  • Rambiara Stream (Shopian & Pulwama Districts):
  • Reduced flow is disrupting local water supply schemes.
  • Doodh Ganga Stream (Budgam District):
  • Notable decline in water levels, affecting both agriculture and potable water supply.

 

Government Initiatives and Conservation Efforts

1. Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM)

  • Focuses on source sustainability to enhance long-term water security.

2. Springshed Rejuvenation Initiative under PMKSY (WDC-PMKSY 2.0)

  • Aims to revive critical water sources and improve watershed management.

3. NITI Aayog’s Working Group on Spring Conservation

  • Established to create a National Spring Inventory and formulate a revival strategy for Himalayan springs.
  • Proposed a Web-enabled platform for mapping and monitoring springs across India.

 

Conclusion

  • The rapid depletion of Kashmir’s natural springs threatens water security, agriculture, and local ecosystems.
  • Urgent conservation efforts, including community participation, afforestation, controlled urban expansion, and sustainable groundwater management, are crucial to reviving and preserving these vital water sources.

 

Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/jammu-kashmir-water-shortage-9861792/