Pulwama, Nov 29 (KNO): A historically and religiously significant spring in south Kashmir's Pulwama district is facing an unprecedented crisis as its water levels have reached alarming lows. This has sparked concerns among locals and environmentalists about its future.
The spring, located in the Sirnoo area of Pulwama, has long been a vital source of freshwater for the local community, locals told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
They said the spring holds immense spiritual significance, with a mosque on one side and a temple on the other, making it a unique symbol of communal harmony.
“For generations, this spring has served as a gathering place for religious rituals and a crucial water source for drinking, agriculture and daily activities. However, its water levels have been steadily receding in recent years, and this year, it has never been so low,” said Mohammad Akram, a resident of Sirnoo.
He said the water level of this spring has never gone so low. "It is almost about to dry up completely," he lamented.
Akram said the situation has arisen due to the lack of rainfall in the Kashmir plains over the past five to six months, which has largely impacted the spring's water supply.
Another resident said the spring, once home to hundreds of fish, has seen many fish die due to the dwindling water levels. "The government has taken steps to maintain the water level and save the fish," he said.
Environmental experts said the spring's drying is due to a combination of climate change, deforestation and unsustainable water usage. They said erratic rainfall patterns, rising temperatures and human interference have disrupted the natural processes that replenish these springs.
"Springs are one of the first victims of climate change. The drying up of such springs is a stark warning for the region’s water security," they warned.
The residents said that the drying of this spring is not only an environmental crisis but also a cultural loss for the region. The spring’s significance extends beyond its role in local ecology; it is deeply embedded in the heritage and history of the community, they said.
Experts said that efforts to conserve this natural resource are crucial, not only to protect the environment but also to preserve the region's cultural identity for future generations—(KNO)