cm-abdullah-flags-looming-water-crisis-in-j-k-calls-for-public-action

Jammu and Kashmir is facing a looming water crisis this year, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday, as he reviewed the measures planned by the Union Territory’s Jal Shakti Department to tackle the escalating situation.

 

In a post on social media platform X, Abdullah remarked that the crisis had been “building up for a few years now,” and called for a comprehensive response beyond government intervention.

 

“J&K is staring at a water crisis this year. It’s not a recent phenomenon, actually it’s been building up for a few years now. While the government will have to adopt a more proactive approach for water management and conservation, it can’t just be a government-centric approach,” Abdullah said in his post.

 

J&K is staring at a water crisis this year. It’s not a recent phenomenon, actually it’s been building up for a few years now. While the government will have to adopt a more proactive approach for water management & conservation, it can’t just be a government centric approach. All…

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) February 19, 2025

 

He urged the people of Jammu and Kashmir to change their perception of water as an unlimited resource.

 

“All of us residents of J&K will have to change the way we take water for granted. I'll be reviewing the measures the Jal Shakti (PHE) Department intends to take to deal with the developing crisis and I'll also be talking to the people of J&K over the next few months about what we can do collectively,” he added.

Also read: Bill to ban liquor in J&K gains widespread support

 

The Chief Minister’s remarks come amid concerns over depleting water resources in the Union Territory, with experts warning that climate change and unsustainable consumption patterns are exacerbating the problem.

 

Meanwhile, Abdullah also attended a high-level meeting on Tuesday with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to review the implementation of the newly introduced criminal laws in the region.

 

Speaking after the meeting, Abdullah stated that Jammu and Kashmir’s role in the enforcement of the laws had been effective and that any shortcomings would be addressed.

 

“The Home Minister has been continuously reviewing the criminal laws that have been implemented in the country and to what extent they are being used. In this regard, this time, it was Jammu and Kashmir's turn. Before this, a review of 11 states and union territories was done. To a large extent, Jammu and Kashmir's role in the implementation of these laws was good,” he said.

 

The meeting was part of a broader national review by the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure the effective implementation of revised legal frameworks across the country.