Low rainfall causes water shortages in Kupwara: Govt

Aatif Qayoom
Comments 0
07 Feb 2026

Kupwara, Feb 06: The Jal Shakti Department has acknowledged drinking water shortages in parts of Lolab and Machil valleys, even as it claimed that most villages in the area continue to receive regular water supply. In a written reply to a question raised by MLA Lolab Kaiser Jamsheed Lone in the Legislative Assembly, the department said 49 operational water supply schemes are currently catering to the needs of 50 villages across Lolab and Machil. These schemes, it said, are maintained regularly and meet drinking water requirements under normal conditions. However, the department admitted that several villages face water scarcity during dry spells due to reduced snowfall and rainfall over recent years. Areas affected include Lalpora, Khan Bhutto, Dar Mohalla, parts of Putsai and Sogam, Bat Gagal, Cheepora, Tekipora, Saiwan, Chontiwari Payeen, and parts of Machil main. According to the department, low precipitation has reduced discharge levels in existing water sources, leading to shortages during lean periods. To mitigate the problem, the department said it has created new water sources under various programmes over the past three years. A total of 16 borewell and dugwell sources and 17 spring and nallah sources have been established in the region. In addition, four more sources are currently under development. These new sources are part of 22 water supply schemes being executed under the Jal Jeevan Mission and UT Capex. Of these, 12 schemes have already become functional, while the remaining are at different stages of execution. Once completed, the department said, the schemes are expected to significantly strengthen water supply infrastructure and ensure sustainable access to safe drinking water as per prescribed norms of 55 litres per capita per day. As an interim measure, the department said it is providing drinking water through tanker services to areas facing acute shortages. Officials maintained that these arrangements will continue until permanent solutions are fully in place.