The first-ever census of water bodies in India has been released, providing detailed information on the country’s water resources, including natural and artificial water bodies such as ponds, tanks, and lakes. The census identified over 24 lakh water bodies across India, with over 9,700 in the Union Territory of J&K. The census also noted that 76.7% of water bodies in J&K are ‘in use’, primarily for domestic, drinking, and irrigation purposes. However, 23.3% of water bodies were categorised as ‘not in use’ due to drying up or being destroyed beyond repair. Additionally, the report highlighted encroachment in 103 water bodies in J&K, primarily in ponds.
Water bodies play a vital role, as they are the primary source of fresh water for various purposes such as drinking, irrigation, industrial, and domestic uses. They also support various ecosystems, including aquatic and terrestrial habitats, and help maintain ecological balance. In addition, water bodies are also a significant source of livelihood for millions of people, especially those living in rural areas who depend on fishing, agriculture, and other related activities. Water bodies provide recreational opportunities for people. Water bodies support a diverse range of flora and fauna. Wetlands, in particular, are crucial habitats for migratory birds and endangered species. Rivers and lakes also play a crucial role in controlling floods. Water bodies act as natural reservoirs, absorbing excess water during the monsoon season and releasing it slowly during the dry season.
Climate change is one of the main reasons for the drying up of water bodies in India. Changing rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and melting glaciers are affecting the water supply in rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. Deforestation is another significant factor that contributes to the drying up of water bodies. The increasing demand for water due to population growth, urbanisation, and industrialization has led to the over-extraction of water from rivers and groundwater reserves. Encroachment on water bodies, such as building structures on lakebeds, and land use changes, such as converting wetlands to agricultural land, are also contributing to the drying up of water bodies. Despite being the largest groundwater user in the world and supporting almost one-fifth of the global population, India’s groundwater resources have been rapidly depleting due to unmanaged and excessive groundwater withdrawal. This emphasises the need for immediate action to protect and restore these vital resources.
Furthermore, the census has also revealed alarming levels of encroachment on water bodies, which is leading to their depletion and degradation. Overall, the importance of water bodies in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be overstated, and it is crucial to prioritise their conservation and sustainable use for the benefit of both people and the environment. The recent census of water bodies has highlighted the importance of these bodies by providing a detailed inventory of the water resources. This information will help in the better management and conservation of these water bodies and ensure their sustainable use for future generations.
Many water bodies are just on the brink of extinction; even the major ones like Dal, Wullar, Nageen, Suriansar, and Mansar are facing major encroachments and, as such, are shrinking significantly. We have already lost 23.3% of our water bodies, and many more will disappear soon unless these issues are addressed. It is essential to implement sustainable water management practices, promote water conservation, and regulate the use of water resources. It is also crucial to create awareness among people about the importance of preserving water bodies and the consequences of their destruction. The situation is alarming and needs multipronged strategies to tackle it.
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