Prolonged Dry Spell Lowers Kashmir's Jhelum River To Its Lowest Level In Recent Years

A houseboat is seen near the dried portion of the river Jhelum as the dry spell continues in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on December 11, 2025. A severe rainfall deficit of nearly 90 percent since November 5 causes major rivers and streams in the region to reach alarmingly low levels, with some springs drying up. Vast stretches of riverbeds are exposed, leaving the landscape dry and barren. Meanwhile, according to data from Air Quality India, several areas in Jammu and Kashmir record an Air Quality Index (AQI) above 288, placing them in the 'Very Poor' category on international air-quality standards. The rising pollution levels spark growing concern about their potential impact on tourism in the region. (Photo by Firdous Nazir/NurPhoto via Getty Images)