BATTAGRAM: A long dry spell in Battagram has left the region in a drought-like situation as underground water level has alarmingly dropped, and water reservoirs are depleting fast.

In the past, during these months, Battagram received enough rain and snow, but for the last two to three months, there has been even no rain in the area.

Jamil Khan, a resident of Ajmera village, told Dawn that they were facing a drought-like situation right now, as there has been no rainfall for the last three months in the area, which has resulted in lowering the water level underground.

Ahmed Khan, a resident of Shimlai village, said that earlier in these months – October, November and December – there was plenty of rainfall, but now these months are passing completely dry, posing a threat to local agriculture and underground water level.

Javed Iqbal, a social and rights activist, told Dawn that deforestation, improper urbanisation, polluting natural water courses, and a lack of interest of locals in plantation were posing a threat to the environment.

“We all need to motivate and educate society to participate in safeguarding our natural environment on a war footing; otherwise, we will be left with nothing but to fight each other for water and food.”

Resident Mohammad Asif Khan said that due to no rain for the past three months, the water level beneath the ground had dropped, and wells gone dry. He said they had a well for fetching water for drinking, cooking, but water level had gone down. He said he would have to dig out the well to the maximum extent possible so they could reach the water level.

Hameed, another local, said: “In the past, these months were of severe cold, rainfall, and snowfall; mountain peaks remained covered by snow, but now, as the climate changes, they are even now tantalised for a single drop of rain.”

Junaid Khan, another resident, said wells, natural springs, and natural water courses had gone dry, leaving the people in trouble.

Resident Yasir Khan said agriculture in Battagram was mainly dependent on natural water courses.

Locals urged the government to take stern action against deforestation, people polluting natural water courses, and encourage people to plant more and more saplings.

The residents emphasised that climate change was a national issue that required collective efforts and a comprehensive approach to mitigate its impacts. By working together, it was possible to revive the natural water cycle and ensure a better future for the people of Battagram and the country as a whole, they underscored.

Published in Dawn, December 21st, 2025