Pulwama, Kashmir: Bulbul Nag, a centuries-old spring in the Newa area of Pulwama, has completely dried up, leaving thousands of residents without a reliable water source. The once-thriving natural spring, which has served as the primary water supply for 39 villages for decades, is now barely producing a fraction of the water it once did.
For over 45 years, Bulbul Nag provided around six lakh gallons of water daily, sustaining approximately 20,000 to 30,000 people across the region. The spring’s water was crucial for drinking and irrigation purposes, especially in the dry summer months. However, with the ongoing dry spell and a significant lack of rainfall, the spring now yields only about one lakh gallons per day—far too little to meet the demands of the people who rely on it.
Local residents expressed their concern over the disappearing water source. “The water reduced last year as well, but it came back to normal after rainfall,” said a local resident. “This year, however, there is no rain, and the spring has dried up completely. Now even the bedrocks are easily visible.”
Bulbul Nag is not the only spring in Kashmir facing this issue. Achabal, one of the region’s largest springs, also ran dry just days ago. The Meteorological Department reported that January 2025 recorded an 87% deficit in precipitation, further worsening the situation. The lack of both snowfall and rainfall has led to a significant drop in groundwater levels, with numerous natural springs across the valley disappearing.
Once a vital resource, Bulbul Nag has now become a symbol of the larger environmental crisis unfolding in the region. “The spring used to supply water to 39 villages,” another local resident shared. “We used to produce six lakh gallons of water in 24 hours. Now, we barely get one lakh gallons, which isn’t enough for the people.”
For decades, the government relied on Bulbul Nag to provide water to the villages, even installing pumping stations to distribute the water efficiently. However, with the current dry spell, the spring’s capacity has drastically diminished, and villagers are left searching for alternative water sources.
Elders in the community recall a time when springs like Bulbul Nag flowed freely, with no threat of drought. “Kashmir was once known for its springs, for its flowing water and lush fields,” said an elderly resident. “Now, one by one, they are disappearing. It feels like we are watching our land wither away before our eyes.”
The drying up of Bulbul Nag is not only a local issue but also a stark warning of a much larger environmental crisis in Kashmir. The combination of changing weather patterns, decreasing precipitation, and declining groundwater levels is having a profound impact on the region’s natural resources. With no immediate solution in sight, the residents of Newa and the surrounding villages are left grappling with how they will manage without this vital water source if the dry conditions continue.
As the situation worsens, local authorities are under increasing pressure to find ways to address the water crisis, while residents continue to struggle with limited access to clean water. The drying of Bulbul Nag serves as a clear reminder of the broader environmental challenges that Kashmir faces and the urgent need for sustainable water management solutions in the region.
