Even as the concerns remain in Jammu , there is some relief on the situation of rivers in Kashmir . After a day of heavy rainfall and mounting concerns of flooding, the water level of the river Jhelum has finally shown signs of receding at Sangam in south Kashmir.
However, the situation in Srinagar remains tense as the river continues to rise at Ram Munshi Bagh, nearing the flood declaration mark.According to Kashmir Weather department, the Jhelum at Sangam, one of the most crucial flood monitoring sites in Anantnag district, recorded 24.18 ft at 1:00 p.m. The level dipped to 24.14 ft an hour later, and by 3:00 p.m. the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department reported the gauge at 24.09 ft, indicating a steady downward trend. The flood declaration level at Sangam is 25 ft.
In contrast, the Jhelum at Ram Munshi Bagh in Srinagar has continued to swell. The gauge reading rose from 20.36 ft earlier in the day to 20.55 ft by 3:00 p.m., inching dangerously close to the 21 ft flood declaration mark.Officials said the water level is likely to keep rising in the city until evening before it begins to decline. Asham in north Kashmir also reported rising water levels, with the gauge standing at 10.82 ft at 3:00 p.m., while Wullar Lake was measured at 1575.62 m, still below the danger threshold of 1578 m.
Several tributaries feeding into the Jhelum showed mixed trends. The Vishow Nallah at Khudwani was reported flowing high at 8.38 m, almost brushing its danger level of 8.50 m. Rambiyara Nallah at Wachi, however, stood much lower at 3.17 m against the 5.7 m danger mark. Similarly, Lidder Nallah at Batkoot recorded a modest 0.75 m and Sindh Nallah at Doderhama stood at 1.73 m, both comfortably below critical levels.
While the receding levels at Sangam bring some respite, the authorities have cautioned against complacency. “People are advised to stay alert and in constant touch with local administration until the water level drops below the flood declaration mark,” the I\&FC Department said.Residents living along the Jhelum’s banks in Srinagar, Pulwama, and Anantnag districts have been urged to remain vigilant, particularly as vulnerable embankments face increased pressure from the surging water.
The rising water levels have triggered anxiety across the Valley, with many recalling the devastation of the September 2014 floods when the Jhelum breached embankments and submerged vast areas of Srinagar. Social media has been abuzz with users sharing updates, pictures, and safety advisories, while community volunteers have begun preparing for emergency response.
Earlier , the Flood Irrigation department had sounded alert declaring flood in Jhelum as the water level crossed danger mark. Contingency plans were kept in place besides advisory on all fronts was issued. As of now, officials maintain that the situation is “under close watch” and expect the river in Srinagar to peak by evening before beginning to recede, provided no further heavy rainfall occurs.
Follow us
