Srinagar, Jul 02: Amid an ongoing heatwave, water usage has spiked across Kashmir, particularly in Srinagar, prompting the Jal Shakti Department to intensify monitoring and field responses. While the water supply remains stable, many residents continue to report reduced availability.
Er Taj Mohammad Chowdhary, Chief Engineer of Jal Shakti (PHE) Kashmir, said that although the supply system is coping, the rising temperatures and irresponsible usage are putting it under pressure.
“This is the peak consumption period. Srinagar is witnessing a sharp rise in water demand. Our facilities are functioning at full capacity, but public cooperation is essential to prevent wastage,” Chowdhary said.
He pointed out that Srinagar’s limited freshwater sources make it more difficult to meet increasing needs. “There’s no system failure. The supply is sufficient but under pressure due to overuse. All filtration units are working normally,” he said, adding that wasteful and unnecessary usage remains the major challenge.
If the hot, dry weather persists into August, the department is ready to deploy more water tankers. “We’ve already completed the tendering process for additional tankers and are ready for any emergency,” he said.
Currently, more than a dozen tankers are operating in Srinagar, with similar setups in other districts. The department has also directed officials to control misuse and initiated monitoring to ensure compliance.
Despite these measures, many residents continue to face erratic supply. “We only receive water for about half an hour in the morning, and that too inconsistently,” said Bilal Ahmad from Zaina Kadal. Another resident, Nusrat from Chattabal, questioned the official claims, saying, “Our taps remain dry for entire days, even though the department insists the supply is normal.”
The Kashmir Valley has been witnessing extreme heat, with Srinagar recently recording temperatures above 35°C. The Meteorological Department has forecast a couple more days of hot and humid weather, with a possibility of light rain in some areas.
The Jal Shakti Department continues to appeal to the public to conserve water. “We urge citizens to use water wisely so that everyone can access their fair share,” Chowdhary said. (KNO)
