A survey on water resource availability for sustainable water management practices in the UT of J&K

Water is essential for life, and its dearth is a huge worldwide concern. This study investigates the availability, usage, and quality of water resources across five districts—Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Doda, and Rajouri—within the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, India. The primary objective is to assess regional disparities in water accessibility and management practices, identify the underlying causes of water scarcity, and document community-driven solutions. Using a semi-quantitative survey, data were collected from 2,250 households across 150 villages using structured questionnaires and field observations. The results reveal that water scarcity in the region is primarily driven by seasonal variations (reported by 76% of respondents), global warming (16%), and over-exploitation of water sources (7%). Water quality is a major concern, with Samba district reporting 100% of its surveyed population identifying drinking water as poor or very poor in quality. In contrast, Doda exhibited relatively better water quality with higher reliance on spring and canal water. Per capita water consumption varied significantly by elevation and district, ranging from 90 to 280 L per day. Groundwater analysis showed mixed trends, with some areas recording rises (up to 13.12 m) and others declines (up to 3.54 m) over the past decade. The study emphasizes the urgent need for localized water governance, restoration of traditional water harvesting systems, afforestation, and implementation of check dams. These findings provide a foundation for informed policymaking and sustainable water resource management tailored to the region’s diverse physiographic and climatic conditions.