Jammu – Jammu and Kashmir is on the brink of a severe water crisis this year, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah warned on Wednesday. He emphasized the need for a collective effort to address the issue, stating that the crisis has been escalating over the past few years and requires immediate attention.

In a social media post, the Chief Minister highlighted the gravity of the situation, saying, “J&K is staring at a water crisis this year. It’s not a recent phenomenon; it’s been building up for a few years now. While the government will have to adopt a more proactive approach to water management and conservation, it can’t just be a government-centric approach. All of us, as residents of J&K, will have to change the way we take water for granted.”

Abdullah added that he would review the measures proposed by the Jal Shakti (Public Health Engineering) Department to tackle the crisis. He also plans to engage with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the coming months to discuss collective solutions.

The region has been experiencing an unprecedented dry spell this winter. Except for a moderate snowfall on December 28, the Valley and its higher reaches have seen no significant precipitation. January passed without any rain or snowfall, and February has also remained dry so far.

The lack of rainfall and snowfall has severely impacted water sources across the region. Many perennial springs, which supply water to hundreds of villages in the Valley, have dried up. Those that remain functional are discharging water at historically low levels.

The iconic Achabal Spring, once adorned with a garden by Mughal Empress Noor Jahan in the 17th century, has completely dried up. A poignant image of an elderly woman weeping at the spring, praying for its restoration, has gone viral on social media, symbolizing the distress of locals.

Even the Verinag Spring, the source of the Jhelum River, is experiencing its lowest water discharge in memory. In Ganderbal district, dozens of village springs have been declared unfit for drinking due to contamination, with the Jal Shakti Department placing warning signs to prevent their use.

Historically, Jammu and Kashmir has been more prone to floods than droughts. The region, known for its snow-clad mountains, flowing streams, and roaring rivers, has rarely faced water scarcity. However, if the dry spell continues, the Valley could face unprecedented challenges, including parched apple orchards and paddy fields, which are vital to the local economy.

The lack of snowfall has already forced authorities to postpone the ‘Khelo India 2025’ winter games, which were scheduled to be held at the Gulmarg ski resort.