Srinagar, Sept. 26 -- For generations, Kashmir has been regarded as a land of abundant water. Snow-covered mountains, perennial streams, springs, wetlands and the Jhelum created a landscape in which water appeared almost inexhaustible. Villages depended on springs, agriculture relied on rainfall and irrigation, and groundwater remained largely invisible in public discussions.

That sense of abundance is becoming less certain.

Recent winters have brought significant precipitation deficits, while unusually low flows have been observed in parts of the Jhelum and declining discharge has been reported from several springs. The episode of drying of the historic spring at Achabal Mughal Garden has provided another visible reminder that Kashmir'...