Kupwara: This frontier district of north Kashmir is worst hit due to continuous dry spell across valley as the natural sources of water are running dry.
The people of Kupwara have expressed serious concern over the long dry spell saying the ponds, wells and river canals are running out of water.
“It is for the first time that our wells are running out of water,” Abdul Ahad, 62, of Bumhama village told INS.
“We have to walk miles to fetch water from different spots. We faced immense hardships this winter,” Ahad said. “Most of the time, we return empty handed.”
Talking to INS, many elderly people while expressing concern said the change in routine of seasons has worsened the lifestyle of Kashmiri people.
They said if the dry spell continues, it will lead to less agricultural production in the valley.
“Snowfall and continuous rains in this season is necessary for the agricultural land and water sources including glaciers, ponds, canals and wells,” said Ghulam Ahmad, 82.
Abbass Ahmad, 32, associated with the medical profession, said the dry spell leads to different types of human diseases as well.
He said the lack of rain is also the reason behind the recent incidents of fire in forests across Kashmir.
“Forests easily catch fire and cause a huge damage. The rain and snow is must,” an official of forest department told INS.
The public protests across the district against the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department for “not providing the water as per schedule” continue since recent past.
Abrar Ul Hassan, a medical student said Kupwara is facing acute water shortage this winter due to the dry spell. He said some areas are still without water connectivity.
“Better we pray for rain and snow in this season,” he said.
