World · India Bureau
Shrinking glaciers threaten water crisis for Srinagar residents
Rapidly retreating glaciers and changing snowfall patterns in Kashmir are reducing water flow in the Jhelum River's main tributary, potentially affecting drinking water supplies for over 200,000 people in Srinagar.
LSN India ·
Kashmir's accelerating glacier melt and shifting precipitation patterns are creating a looming water scarcity crisis in Srinagar, as declining flows in the Doodh Ganga river strain the city's already-stretched water infrastructure.
The Doodh Ganga, a critical tributary of the Jhelum River, has witnessed substantially reduced water levels, posing significant risks to the urban water supply network that serves more than 200,000 residents across Srinagar.
Experts attribute the declining water availability to two interconnected climate-driven phenomena: the persistent shrinkage of mountain glaciers that feed the river system, and alterations in seasonal snowfall patterns. These environmental shifts are fundamentally altering the region's hydrological cycle.
The situation underscores growing vulnerabilities in Kashmir's water security amid broader climate change impacts affecting the Himalayan region. Water authorities face mounting pressure to develop contingency measures and explore alternative sources to meet the city's demand.
As water levels continue their downward trend heading into the drier months, officials warn that supply disruptions could intensify unless urgent mitigation strategies are implemented.