Saqlain Ashraf
A prolonged dry spell in the Kashmir Valley has led to the drying up of the famous Aripal Spring in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, triggering a severe water crisis in the region. The spring, which has been a lifeline for nearly 48 hamlets of Sub-district Tral, has drastically receded, leaving thousands of residents struggling for drinking water.
In addition to Aripal Spring, the water level in Dilnag Tral—another major water source—has also declined to an alarming level, further worsening the situation. The extreme dry conditions and lack of rainfall have been identified as the primary reasons behind the depletion of these essential springs.
As the dry spell continues, fears grow that more natural water sources in Kashmir could face similar depletion, raising concerns about the long-term water security of the region.
Days before this, the famous spring in Achabal and the Bulbul Nag in Newa, Pulwama also dried up triggering water crisis in their respective areas of supply. Minimized rainfall has caused many water bodies in Kashmir to dry up resulting in minimal water supply and a threat to the local water life.
The drying up of Aripal Spring and the decline of Dilnag Tral serve as a stark reminder of the environmental challenges facing Kashmir, underscoring the need for proactive measures to protect its fragile ecosystem.