Kashmir Water Resources

 Kashmir Water Resources;

Kashmir, also known as the "Paradise on Earth," is endowed with rich water resources. These resources are vital to the region's ecology as well as the livelihood of the inhabitants. The main sources of water in Kashmir are:

Jhelum River:

Main River: Jhelum River is the Kashmir's lifeline. It has its origin from the Indian-controlled region of Jammu and Kashmir, i.e., the Verinag spring in the district of Anantnag, and passes through the Kashmir Valley before entering the Pakistan-controlled region of Kashmir and finally merging into the Chenab River.

Tributaries: Jhelum has many tributaries, including Lidder, Sind, and Rembiara rivers, which contribute to its flow.

 Springs:

Kashmir is famous for its many freshwater springs, including the Verinag Spring, which is regarded as the origin of the Jhelum River. There are other significant springs like Wular Lake, which also contributes significantly to water replenishment.

For Wular Lake: It is the largest Indian freshwater lake and serves a crucial position in the water cycle of Kashmir. It also serves as a flood buffer as well as being a prime irrigation and potable water source.

Dal Lake: Although best recognized for its natural beauty, Dal Lake is also an essential source of water for the area. The lake is fed by water from the Jhelum River and utilized for irrigation, fishing, and as a source of drinking water in certain communities.

Glaciers

There are numerous glaciers in Kashmir that supply the rivers and lakes of the state. The important ones are the Siachen Glacier and the Kolahoi Glacier. Glaciers' melting water gives a consistent supply of freshwater, especially during summer months.

Rainfall and Snowmelt

 The area receives heavy snowfall during winter and monsoon rains, both of which are major contributors to the water supply. Snowmelt from the mountains is especially crucial for filling up water sources in summer.

Groundwater

Groundwater resources too are plentiful, with many tubewells and wells drawing on these deposits for irrigation and domestic purposes. These resources too are finite, though, and coming under growing pressure as the population increases and agricultural requirements rise.

Political Background:

Indus Waters Treaty: India and Pakistan's Indus Waters Treaty regulates the distribution of water resources in relation to the Indus River and its tributaries.

Disputed Projects: Pakistan has objected to India's development of dams on the Jhelum and Chenab rivers, such as the Kishanganga and Baglihar dams.

Water Security: Water security is a significant issue for both India and Pakistan, particularly in terms of population growth and climate change.

Challenges:

Irrigation Development: Canal irrigation, the dominant practice in Kashmir, has experienced minimal development, with the extent of land irrigated by canals increasing by less than 4%.

Groundwater Management: The Jammu and Kashmir Water Resources (Regulation and Control) Act provides for regulating and controlling groundwater development.

The water resources are vital in Kashmir for irrigation purposes, drinking, hydropower generation, and the overall Kashmir ecosystem. The Jhelum River is especially of monumental historical, cultural, and economic significance to Kashmir.