The warmer winters is now showing its effects in Kashmir as from past many days at several places farmers were seen uprooting their paddy sapling for want of adequate water. The winter this year witnessed very less snowfall and there was no good rainfall in the months of March and April that has now resulted in the water scarcity.
The deficit rainfall and less accumulation of snow on the mountains are showing its impact and farmers as well as fruit growers are worried. The pictures showing farmers uprooting the paddy sapling are worrisome and government should intervene and try to help the distressed farmers.
For common Kashmiri people there is a message hidden in this lack of water even in the middle of summer. Usually the Valley used to face water shortage and draught like situation after August but the warmer day temperature and absence of snow in the higher reaches have left water sources dry.
Seeing the farmers of central Kashmir’s Budgam villages and the hamlets of Lolab without irrigation water speaks all how situation is turning the Lolab Valley that was once known for its rich and pure water resources is now craving for the water.
The springs and ponds have dried up and the glaciers in Valley are fast receding which is an indication that coming years will be more drastic and if steps are not taken right now the villages of Kashmir will slowly turn into deserts.
Our water table is depleting fast and many areas don’t have the potable water even now. What happened to our rich water resources needs to be discussed at every level and government should act now so that future years won’t be more drastic for Kashmir.
For the locals there is a message how we have ruined our environment and polluted our rich water bodies. We have even encroached our lakes and springs though government is now planning to revive them. However people must understand the negligence has created more harm to our environment and if steps are not taken right now our future generations have to pay the price for this. Everything hasn’t lost yet, but if people will own the responsibility things can be set right, especially by taking proper care of our water resources and try to reduce levels of pollution at every level.
Earlier people in villages used to take interest in safeguarding water resources, ponds and streams but off late people have started neglecting the water sources. Even garbage in shape of polythene has reached in every village. So it’s our duty to start preserving our water resources otherwise time will come when we will have to struggle to find the water to drink.
All the people should think about our future generations like our elders did. If we fail then our future generation will hold us accountable.
