The once-magnificent Achabal Spring, a jewel of Anantnag, has now dried up – a haunting reminder to the impending water crisis in Kashmir. Once fed by pristine springs and rivulets, this lake has turned into a barren stretch of land, a stark reminder of what awaits the rest of the Valley’s water bodies if immediate action is not taken. While climate change has undoubtedly played a role, it is only part of the problem. The real culprit is reckless human behavior – careless encroachments, unregulated tourism, deforestation, and unchecked urban expansion. If this continues, Kashmiris will soon be fighting for every drop of water. The day is not far.

Reckless Exploitation of Water Bodies

Kashmir’s famed lakes, rivers, and springs have been mercilessly exploited over the years. Dal Lake, once a mesmerizing reflection of the Zabarwan mountains, is now choking with pollution and illegal construction. Wular Lake, Asia’s largest freshwater lake, has shrunk alarmingly due to silt accumulation, encroachments, and pollution. The story is the same for Manasbal, Anchar, and Khushalsar lakes.

Apathy towards these water bodies has been ingrained in public behavior. People have built houses, shops, and hotels along the fragile shores, narrowing the natural flow of water. In some cases, landfills have been established on lake beds, shrinking their expanse. The unchecked use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in agriculture is further poisoning the water sources.

Moreover, unregulated tourism has exacerbated the problem. Houseboats in Dal Lake, once an attraction, are now a major source of pollution due to unchecked........

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