SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing a prolonged dry spell, with precipitation levels remaining below normal for six consecutive months, raising fears of a looming water crisis across the Union Territory.
Fresh meteorological data for April shows that Jammu and Kashmir recorded only 86.5 mm of rainfall against the normal 99.6 mm, marking a 13 per cent deficit. The continued shortfall comes amid growing concerns over declining water availability, shrinking river flows, and the possible impact on hydroelectric power generation.
The rainfall deficiency is being viewed as part of a larger and more worrying trend. The current dry spell follows seven consecutive winters of below-normal precipitation, significantly affecting groundwater recharge, stream flows, and snow reserves across the region.
Experts and residents alike fear that if the UT experiences another prolonged dry phase during the summer months, many far-flung and hilly areas could face acute drinking water shortages. The situation is expected to be particularly severe in rural and hinterland regions dependent on natural springs and local streams.
The declining precipitation is also expected to affect rivers and streams feeding major hydroelectric projects. Lower water discharge in rivers, including the Jhelum and its tributaries, could reduce electricity generation during the peak summer demand period.
The district-wise rainfall data for April reveals sharp variations across Jammu and Kashmir, with several districts in Kashmir division recording major deficits.
Shopian recorded the highest rainfall deficiency at 67 per cent, receiving only 33.9 mm rainfall against the normal 102.1 mm. Kathua followed with a 60 per cent deficit, recording 31.9 mm against the normal 79.9 mm.
Anantnag witnessed a 46 per cent shortfall with 62.6 mm rainfall against the normal 115.9 mm, while Kulgam recorded a 39 per cent deficit with 76.5 mm rainfall against 124.8 mm normal precipitation.
Pulwama registered 45.6 mm rainfall against the normal 73.7 mm, marking a 38 per cent deficit. Budgam recorded a 34 per cent shortfall, while Srinagar received 63.8 mm rainfall against the normal 93.9 mm, reflecting a 32 per cent deficit.
Kishtwar recorded a 26 per cent rainfall deficiency, while Ganderbal registered a 23 per cent deficit. Bandipora and Baramulla each recorded a 13 per cent shortfall.
In contrast, a few districts reported surplus rainfall during April. Doda recorded a marginal one per cent surplus, Ramban two per cent, and Kupwara four per cent above normal precipitation levels.
Among the districts with significant excess rainfall, Poonch recorded a 14 per cent surplus, Jammu and Udhampur each registered 15 per cent above normal rainfall, while Reasi saw a 40 per cent increase. Rajouri recorded a 46 per cent surplus and Samba witnessed the highest excess rainfall at 96 per cent above normal levels.
The prolonged precipitation deficit has triggered concern over water management and preparedness measures. With water reserves under pressure and river levels already showing signs of decline, calls are growing for authorities to adopt proactive conservation and resource management strategies before the situation worsens further.
