Srinagar, Feb. 15 -- Shabir Ahmad, a local resident and social activist, said, "We have never witnessed such a change in the Mughal Garden at Achabal drying up. This is the first time we are seeing such a disheartening scene."

He said the spring has completely dried up, leading to a shortage of drinking water. "Our sins-how we are polluting the water bodies-along with a decline in rain and snowfall due to climate change, are the main reasons for this worsening situation," he said.

When asked about the future situation, he said, "When water is not available, how can we irrigate our land? Both horticulture and agriculture depend on water, and this situation will have a severe impact. Shortages have already started in nearby areas, and peo...