The Jhelum River’s water levels have steadily decreased, leading to a severe shortage in water supply systems that rely on it. This has resulted in a drinking water crisis, affecting areas stretching from Sangam to Bandipora the most.
According to a report by Daily Excelsior, the Jhelum River’s water level hit a 30-year low in September 2023, with the Sangam gauge recording an astonishing measurement of 0.09, the lowest in 70 years.
The primary cause of this decline is believed to be a significant precipitation deficit of 55mm.
Additionally, a 5-degree Celsius rise in temperature has caused extensive damage to crops, setting new records for heat waves in the valley.
Sanjeev Malhotra, the Chief Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, informed Excelsior that they are implementing measures to mitigate the crisis’s impact by modifying the riverbed to maintain water flow to the pumps, which is then lifted for distribution.