Avalanche Warnings As Snowfall Eases Water Crisis
The snowfall and rains have not only alleviated the water crisis but also brought relief to the residents of Shopian district, who were struggling with dried-up springs and streams. The replenished water sources have eased concerns among residents, and the authorities are working to restore key roads and ensure the safety of travelers.
The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains closed due to landslides and shooting stones, with authorities advising commuters to avoid traveling until clearance operations are completed, while snowfall and rains in the Shopian district of south Kashmir have alleviated the water crisis by reviving streams and springs.
Other key roads, including SSG Road, Bhaderwah-Chamba Road, Mughal Road, and Sinthan Road, also remain closed due to snowfall and adverse weather conditions. The snow and rains have replenished springs across the district, easing concerns among residents, particularly in upper reaches and outlying villages. The precipitation, which included 7-8 inches of snow in Shopian town and 1.5-2 feet of snow in upper reaches, increased the discharge in Rambiara Nallah and various springs.
The Jal Shakti Department's Executive Engineer, Abdul Rashed, said that at least seven water supply schemes rely on the district's springs and that the wet spell alleviated the concerns of a water crisis. Residents, such as Mubashir Ahmad of Chitragam, expressed relief at the replenished water sources, which had been on the verge of drying up due to the dry spell. The increased water level in the Rambiara Nallah, a tributary of River Jhelum, has also brought relief to the residents.
While the snowfall has brought relief to the residents of Shopian district, the closure of key roads has caused inconvenience to commuters. The authorities are working to restore the roads and ensure the safety of travelers. The wet spell has also highlighted the importance of water conservation and the need for sustainable management of water resources in the region.