Dry Winter
BATTAGRAM: The Battagram district is experiencing an alarming drought-like situation due to an ongoing lack of substantial rain and snowfall this winter, leaving residents deeply concerned.
Historically, this season was marked by heavy precipitation that replenished natural water sources, ensuring a steady supply of potable water throughout the year. However, this year’s unusually dry conditions have raised fears about an impending water crisis.
Local communities primarily rely on natural springs, streams, and wells to meet their daily water needs, including drinking, cooking, and other household activities.
Traditionally, snowfall in the mountainous region would remain intact until late May or June, playing a crucial role in maintaining groundwater levels. However, this winter has seen only minimal snowfall on the peaks, while lower-lying areas received none at all—an unprecedented occurrence in the district’s history.
Residents attribute this drastic change to widespread deforestation, which they believe has disrupted the natural climate cycle. Adnan Khan, a social activist, warned that the prolonged dry spell could severely impact water availability, making the region more vulnerable to droughts.
Ghaffar Mohammad, another local, recalled that Battagram had never witnessed a winter without rain or snow, underscoring the severity of the current situation.
The absence of rainfall has already started affecting daily life. Women, who traditionally fetch water from natural springs that once flowed year-round, now face the possibility of these sources drying up.
Aman Khan, another resident, pointed out that the district’s mountainous terrain leaves it entirely dependent on natural precipitation for agriculture, as there are no irrigation channels. The current dry spell threatens essential crops such as wheat, fruits, and vegetables, which are vital for local sustenance and economic stability.
Elderly resident Hazrat Gul reminisced about a time when snowfall would cover even the lower-lying areas, including villages and bazaars.
Now, he noted, snow is limited to the highest peaks, and even that is decreasing. He blamed deforestation for the rising temperatures, which have contributed to the worsening drought conditions.
Anas Ali, another concerned resident, expressed fears that the district’s once-perennial rivers and streams were at risk of drying up due to insufficient precipitation. He emphasized that wells used for drinking water would also be affected as groundwater levels continue to drop.
Fatima Bibi, an elderly woman from Battagram village, lamented the disappearance of leafy greens (Saag), which were usually harvested at this time of year. “The fields have turned dry and dusty, leaving us without this essential crop,” she said.
She recalled how young girls would joyfully gather fresh greens for cooking, an activity now threatened by the ongoing drought.
The situation has sparked fears of long-term consequences, particularly regarding food security and economic stability. With water scarcity intensifying, local communities may struggle to sustain their livelihoods, making urgent intervention necessary to address the growing crisis.
