May 27: With temperatures soaring and a heatwave gripping the region, Katra town, nestled in the Trikuta Hills of the Reasi district in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, faces an imminent water crisis threat. Katra serves as the base camp for the revered Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Cave Shrine, and as the summer vacation season approaches, the administration is on alert to tackle the impending surge in pilgrim arrivals.
According to official sources from the Jal Shakti Department, the scorching heat has led to a decline in water levels at natural water sources, exacerbating the water scarcity situation. Typically, during peak seasons, Katra requires 40 to 45 lakh gallons of water daily to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. However, on regular days, only 20 to 25 lakh gallons are supplied to the base camp. The gradual drying up of these natural water bodies has made it challenging for Katra to meet its daily water supply needs.
Presently, water is being sourced from the Baba Dhansar Water Project, Jhajjar Kotli Water Project, and Ban Ganga water source on a daily basis to address the crisis. However, these sources are also gradually drying up, further exacerbating the situation. Additionally, unannounced power cuts and other power-related issues are compounding the challenges.
The water shortage has also impacted the local hotel industry, with hoteliers expressing concerns about the situation. Rakesh Wazir, President of the Hotel and Restaurants Association (HRA) in Katra, has stated that the matter has been brought to the attention of the administration, and assurances have been received regarding prompt resolution.
Vishesh Pal Mahajan, Deputy Commissioner of Reasi, assured that the administration is actively monitoring the situation and taking steps to address it effectively. As pilgrim arrivals are expected to increase in the coming days, the administration is committed to ensuring timely and efficient management of the water crisis in Katra.
