Srinagar, Feb 28: The recent spell of heavy rain and snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir has provided some relief, bringing down the region’s massive rainfall deficit from 80% to 42%, according to weather officials.
Data from the local weather office shows that between February 26 and 28, J&K received 78.4 mm of precipitation—407% above the normal 15.5 mm for this period. In some areas, such as Udhampur, rainfall was recorded at 1,891% above normal, while Ganderbal in Kashmir saw an increase of 511%.
Despite the recent improvement, the overall picture remains concerning. The Union territory has recorded below-average rainfall for five consecutive years, with 2024 marking the driest year in five decades. Several water bodies have dropped below the zero level mark, and some springs in south Kashmir have dried up completely.
Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah recently sounded the alarm, warning that Jammu and Kashmir is facing a deepening water crisis. He emphasized that water conservation must become a collective effort and cannot be left solely to the government. “We must change the way we take water for granted,” Abdullah posted on X.
Weather experts have reiterated that while the latest wet spell has provided temporary relief, the long-term impact of climate change remains a pressing concern. Faizan Arif, a noted weather analyst, stressed the urgency of strong policies for climate adaptation, warning that the cost of inaction would far outweigh the expenses of preventive measures.
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