Achabal Garden, one of the most enchanting Mughal gardens in Kashmir, has always been a place of solace and natural beauty. The garden is famed for its cascading water channels, lush green terraces, and serene ambiance. At the heart of this garden lies the Achabal Spring, a vital water source that has served generations of people in the region. The spring supplies water to many surrounding villages, supporting both drinking water needs and agricultural irrigation. The gentle flow of water through the garden once added to its charm, creating a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors alike.
I live very close, about 10kms away from Achabal Garden, and it has been my evening escape for years when i travel Kashmir. Walking through its pathways, listening to the gushing water, and feeling the cool breeze is something I have always cherished. The garden, once alive with the sound of flowing water, now feels incomplete as the spring struggles to maintain its flow. We used to enjoy watching the water gracefully move through the garden, feeding the streams and nallahs that kept the region thriving. Seeing it dry up is deeply unsettling, and it has left the community worried about the future of this once-abundant source of life.
Geological Disturbances and Sinkholes
One of the most immediate causes of water depletion in
Anantnag has been the emergence of sinkholes. In February 2022, a massive
sinkhole formed in Brengi Nallah near Wandevalgam village, leading to the
diversion of its water underground. The result was a drastic reduction in
downstream water flow, leaving many tributaries, including Aripath Nallah, dry.
Such geological changes disrupt the natural hydrology of the region and have
far-reaching consequences for dependent water bodies.
Urbanization and Encroachments
Urban expansion in Anantnag has taken a toll on natural
water bodies. The unchecked construction of roads, buildings, and settlements
has led to the encroachment of water channels. In many cases, water bodies like
Aripath Nallah have been turned into dumping grounds for solid waste and
construction debris. This not only blocks the natural flow of water but also
pollutes the remaining streams, making restoration efforts even more
challenging.
Pollution and Waste Dumping
Aripath Nallah, once a pristine water source, has suffered
extensive pollution over the years. With the absence of proper waste management
systems, household garbage and sewage find their way into these water bodies.
The increasing levels of pollution disrupt the aquatic ecosystem, further
exacerbating the decline in water flow and quality. Local residents have
repeatedly raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of Anantnag’s
water bodies, but little action has been taken to address this issue.
Exploitation of Groundwater Resources
The depletion of surface water often forces communities to
extract groundwater at an unsustainable rate. The increased use of borewells
and tube wells has led to a significant drop in groundwater levels, further
impacting the recharge capacity of natural springs like Achabal. The imbalance
created by excessive groundwater withdrawal contributes to the drying up of
surface water bodies, creating a vicious cycle of depletion.
Riverbed Mining
The extensive mining of sand and gravel from riverbeds has
been another major contributor to water depletion in Kashmir. In many areas,
unregulated extraction of riverbed material has altered the course of water
streams, making them more susceptible to drying up. This has been observed in
several water bodies across the region, where heavy machinery is used to
extract natural resources without considering environmental consequences. The
impact of such activities on Achabal Spring and its tributaries cannot be
ignored.
Climate Change and Reduced Precipitation
Global climate change has affected local weather patterns,
leading to irregular precipitation and reduced snowfall in the Kashmir Valley.
Since many of the region’s water bodies rely on snowmelt and rainfall for
replenishment, a decline in these sources naturally affects the overall water
availability. Over the past few years, Anantnag has witnessed changes in
seasonal water flow, contributing to the gradual drying up of its springs and
streams.
The Way Forward: Urgent Need for Conservation Measures
The drying up of Achabal Spring and Aripath Nallah is not an
isolated event—it is a symptom of a much larger crisis. If urgent measures are
not taken, more water bodies across Kashmir could face the same fate. Some of the key steps that need to be implemented to protect water resources:
- Restoration
of Water Channels: Authorities must focus on dredging and clearing
encroached water bodies to restore their natural flow.
- Strict
Regulation on Urban Expansion: Land-use planning should prioritize the
conservation of natural water sources and prevent further encroachments.
- Implementation
of Waste Management Systems: A robust waste disposal strategy needs to
be enforced to prevent pollution of streams and rivers.
- Sustainable
Groundwater Management: Regulations should be put in place to monitor
and limit excessive groundwater extraction.
- Ban
on Illegal Mining: Stricter laws and enforcement are needed to prevent
unregulated mining that alters river flows.
- Afforestation
and Climate Resilience: Increasing green cover and implementing
climate-resilient practices can help in groundwater recharge and water
conservation.
The disappearance of Achabal Spring and Aripath Nallah should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, environmentalists, and local communities. Preserving Kashmir’s water resources is not just about maintaining scenic beauty—it is about securing livelihoods, sustaining agriculture, and ensuring a healthy ecosystem.
The time to act is now before more of Kashmir’s precious water bodies become mere memories of the past.
0 Comments