Jammu and Kashmir : The region of Jammu and Kashmir is currently staring at a severe water crisis as lack of adequate winter rains endangers the region’s rivers, glaciers and water supply to sustain the coming months. Already, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has warned the local population that the shortages were likely to worsen and that the people should brace for tough times ahead.
Driest Winter in Years
Srinagar is heading towards its most unprecedented February since 2020 with only 22.3 mm of rainfall against the usual 100 mm for January and February combined. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Jammu & Kashmir is 81% deficient in precipitation, recording only 35.4 mm precipitation between January 1, February 21.
The absence of winter rain and snowfall is particularly concerning because this precipitation is key to replenishing river basins and glaciers that provide drinking water and irrigation. Worse is the case of Jammu which received only 12.9 mm of rain this year, a shortfall of 89 percent from normal.
Some Hope Ahead?
IMD forecasts moderate rain and snow on the 25-27th of February but experts believe that will not be enough to deal with the huge precipitation deficiency. Without improvement to conditions, it may bring drinking water shortages in the summer months along with severe stress for agriculture.
As climate patterns have become climate-threatening haphazard, people in Jammu and Kashmir would have to brace for one of the most toughest summers in recent years.
