Tributary Terror

As heavy rains swell the Jhelum's tributaries once more, South Kashmir faces devastation from overlooked waterways, with human errors amplifying nature's fury.

- Dr. Masoon Ahmad Beig

Climatic variability lies at the heart of the crisis unfolding in Jammu and Kashmir. This term captures shifts in weather patterns beyond typical events, such as the erratic Western disturbances delivering intense rains across the valley since mid-August 2025.

These downpours have triggered floods and landslides, killing at least 40 people and injuring scores more, with the southern districts hardest hit.

From a geographical perspective, attention often focuses on the Jhelum River's urban stretch in Srinagar, where planners prioritize embankments and dredging. Yet South Kashmir's tributaries bear the true burden, erasing homes, farms, and hopes when waters rise.

These tributaries, including Vishav, Lidder, Romushi, Rambiaara, Sandran, Brengi, Arpath, and Watyathroo, rampage through their catchments during heavy precipitation or cloudbursts.

In Anantnag, Kulgam, and Pulwama, they claim lives and property relentlessly.

Recent reports detail how August's torrents washed away bridges, homes, and roads, damaging over 1,200 hectares of cropland in the region.