Dry Spell Shrinks J&K Water Bodies After 86% Rainfall Deficit
Jal Shakti Steps Up Tanker Supply, officials say no major crisis yet; experts warn of unusually low water levels in Jhelum, springs
The prolonged dry spell across Jammu & Kashmir has resulted in a severe 86% rainfall deficit through November and the first ten days of December, raising fresh concerns over declining water levels in rivers, springs and natural sources.
Chief Engineer Jal Shakti Kashmir, Er. Rakesh Kumar Gupta, told news agency that most natural sources feeding the supply network have been impacted due to the persistent absence of rainfall.
“The ongoing dry weather has reduced the output of several water sources. Once rainfall resumes, recharge will take place naturally,” he said.
Gupta said that while certain pockets are witnessing decreased flow, the department is ensuring uninterrupted supply. “There is some impact on drinking water availability, but we are addressing it through tankers. We’re coordinating closely with DCs and the Divisional Administration, and supplying tankers wherever required. There is no major shortage or crisis at this stage,” he added.
Meanwhile, independent weather expert Faizan Arif Keng told news agency that water levels in the Jhelum, its tributaries, and numerous springs are running unusually low heightening concerns among farmers and environmental groups.
“Kashmir has not received any strong Western Disturbance for nearly 40 days. Whatever systems arrived were weak and failed to produce meaningful rain or snowfall,” he said. “Without a proper weather system, natural recharge slows down, leading to the drop in water levels that we’re seeing across the Valley.”
Faizan further said that, “Jammu & Kashmir recorded an 86% rainfall deficit in November and first 10 days of December, with no major wet spell expected over the next 10-15 days, water levels are likely to fall even further.”
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