Srinagar: The low snowfall in Kashmir’s higher reaches this winter has sparked concerns among experts over a possible water crisis in the upcoming summer, especially for irrigation and potable water needs.
Dr Irfan Rashid, Assistant Professor at the University of Kashmir and a researcher on cryosphere studies and alpine ecosystem dynamics in the Himalaya warned that if the current trend continues, there could be significant challenges ahead.
“Definitely, there will be concerns regarding irrigation supplies to downstream agriculture and communities if the current scenario persists,” Dr Rashid said. “The volume of snow this year is alarmingly low in the mountainous regions, which typically receive tens of metres of snow.”
He said satellite data shows that many high-altitude areas in Kashmir and the western Himalayas witnessed scant snowfall this season.”
This reduction, Dr Rashid said, not only impacts immediate water supply but could also accelerate glacier melt. “When snow cover is less, glaciers lose their protective shield earlier in the season, exposing ice to higher temperatures and leading to faster melt rates,” he said. “This can seriously affect the long-term mass balance of glaciers, which is a worrying sign for the region’s future water security.”
According to Dr Irfan, snowfall during the core winter months is crucial as it tends to last longer. “Late snowfall, even if it happens in higher altitudes like Gulmarg or Zojila, doesn’t compensate for what’s lost earlier,” he said. “The snow deficit this year is significant and could result in depleted water flow during peak summer and autumn.”
He, however, added that if western disturbances bring precipitation in the ongoing and coming months, the natural water reservoirs won’t be affected.
Meanwhile, a senior official from the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department in Kashmir acknowledged the low snowfall but said that the situation was currently under control.
“Right now, we don’t foresee any immediate water shortage,” the official said. “Our water levels, including in the Jhelum, are within normal range. However, if the rainfall during March, April, and May falls short, then there may be issues with drinking water and irrigation supply.”
The official stressed that contingency plans are already in place. “We are better prepared this year. Last year was difficult, but we managed without major disruptions. It will all depend on how the weather behaves in the coming weeks,” he added.
Unusually high temperatures for this time of year are also adding to the concern. Dr Rashid cited a recent spike, saying, “Srinagar touched 30 degrees Celsius recently, the second-highest recorded this season. If this continues, it will further accelerate snowmelt and glacier depletion.”—(KNO)
