Posted by admin_kas on 2025-07-25 23:47:54 |
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Abid Ali Mir
Kashmir, often described as
a paradise on Earth, is renowned not just for its mountains and meadows, but
for its intricate and rich network of water bodies. From the iconic Dal Lake to
the expansive Wular, from glacial streams of Lidder and Sindh to the wetlands
of Hokersar and Anchar, Kashmir's identity is intimately tied to its aquatic
ecosystems.
These water bodies are far
more than aesthetic or touristic marvels. They represent a complex web of
ecological balance, cultural heritage, biodiversity, economic sustenance, and
climate resilience. Their degradation, therefore, is not just an environmental
loss but a civilizational one.
Water bodies in Kashmir
serve as natural reservoirs, filters, and regulators of the ecosystem. Lakes
like Wular and Manasbal act as sponges during heavy rainfall and snowmelt,
absorbing excess water and preventing floods downstream. Wular Lake, which is
one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, was once capable of holding over
two billion cubic meters of water.
However, encroachments and siltation have drastically reduced its capacity over the years, contributing to periodic floods that ravage the Kashmir Valley. Scientific assessments conducted by the Wetlands International South Asia and the Jammu and Kashmir Remote Sensing Centre indicate that over 50 percent of Wular’s original area has been lost in the last century, primarily due to human interference.
Wetlands in Kashmir,
including Hokersar, Mirgund, and Shalabugh, play an equally vital role in
sustaining biodiversity. These wetlands are internationally recognized under
the Ramsar Convention, highlighting their global importance as bird habitats.
Every winter, tens of
thousands of migratory birds such as the northern pintail, gadwall, Eurasian
wigeon, and common teal make their way from Siberia and Central Asia to rest
and feed in these water-rich sanctuaries.
The presence of these birds
is not just a spectacle of nature; it’s a marker of ecological health. Their
numbers and migratory patterns serve as indicators of climatic changes and
pollution levels in the region.
Beyond their ecological
value, water bodies are intricately woven into the cultural and historical
fabric of Kashmir. The Dal Lake is not just a tourist destination but a living
community. Hundreds of families live on houseboats, run floating markets, and
cultivate floating vegetable gardens locally known as “Raadh.” This unique
hydro-culture represents a sustainable way of life adapted to water ecosystems.
In Srinagar, the Nigeen
Lake and the Jhelum River are essential to both transport and tradition, where
shikaras (wooden boats) serve as both vehicles and vessels of Kashmiri
aesthetics.
Religious and spiritual
associations also abound. Many sufi shrines and historical mosques are located
beside water bodies, reflecting the Islamic tradition of water as a symbol of
purity and life.
Ritual ablutions, community
gatherings, and even festivals are conducted in proximity to lakes and rivers,
reflecting a civilizational reverence for these natural features. The sacred
spring of Verinag, believed to be the source of the Jhelum River, is another
example of how geography and spirituality intersect in Kashmir.
However, this ecological
and cultural treasure is under severe threat. Rapid urbanization, unregulated
tourism, pollution, and climate change are accelerating the degradation of
Kashmir’s water bodies. According to a report by the Department of Environment,
Ecology and Remote Sensing (DEE&RS), over 50 percent of the wetlands in
Kashmir have either shrunk or turned into wastelands in the past four decades.
Lakes are choking on
untreated sewage, plastic waste, and construction debris. The Dal Lake, which
once covered an area of 22 square kilometers, has reportedly shrunk to less
than 10 square kilometers due to encroachment and pollution.
Another major challenge is
the increasing siltation from deforestation in the upper catchments. Trees,
which naturally hold soil in place, are being cut for development and fuel,
leading to faster erosion. This sediment is then carried by rivers and streams
into lakes and wetlands, filling them up and reducing their depth and
water-holding capacity.
Kashmir’s water bodies are
not just scenic backdrops—they are ecological regulators, spiritual sites, and
lifelines for livelihoods. Their decline is more than environmental—it
threatens culture, climate stability, and civilizational memory
Research from the
University of Kashmir’s Department of Earth Sciences confirms that Dal Lake is
losing depth at an alarming rate, which has further worsened its weed
infestation and water stagnation.
Water bodies also play a
critical role in local agriculture and economy. The wetlands support paddy
fields, provide fish, reeds, and fodder for livestock, and sustain livelihoods
for thousands. Fishermen from communities like the Hanji depend directly on healthy
lakes and rivers. With water levels declining and pollution increasing, fish
populations have plummeted, affecting both food security and income sources.
Scientifically, Kashmir’s
water bodies also act as climate buffers. Glacial-fed rivers such as Lidder and
Sindh regulate temperature and maintain humidity, supporting the unique temperate
ecology of the region.
Climate researchers from the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine and the University of Kashmir have noted that shrinking water bodies may lead to local warming, reduced rainfall, and the collapse of micro-ecosystems. This is already evident in the increasing frequency of droughts and unseasonal weather patterns across the Valley.
The path to revival and
protection is not just scientific, but also moral and collective. Islamic
teachings emphasize the sacredness of water. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “Do not waste water,
even if you are at a running stream.” This wisdom is deeply relevant today.
Environmental conservation, in the Islamic worldview, is not a secular concern
but a divine responsibility. Local religious leaders, scholars, and community
elders must therefore take the lead in spreading awareness, mobilizing youth,
and fostering ethical stewardship.
Public participation is
another cornerstone. Scientific interventions alone cannot solve the crisis
unless the communities living around these water bodies are engaged and
empowered. Programs involving lake cleaning, waste management, afforestation of
catchment areas, and sustainable tourism must be implemented with transparency
and inclusion.
The example of Mansbal
Lake, which has shown signs of revival due to community-driven efforts and governmental
support, should serve as a model for others.
The water bodies of Kashmir
are not passive landscapes; they are living ecosystems that breathe life into
the region's environment, culture, economy, and identity. Their preservation is
not merely an environmental agenda but an existential one. As climate change
and human pressure intensify, the need to protect and restore these aquatic
systems becomes all the more urgent.
It is not just about saving lakes and rivers, but about saving Kashmir itself. The fight to conserve water bodies must therefore be grounded in science, strengthened by culture, and guided by conscience.
Abid Ali Mir is a Kashmiri writer,
poet and thinker advocating Islamic finance, social justice, environmental
preservation, and action against plastic pollution.