Kashmir Water Crisis deepens amidst persistent Dry Spell and Scorching Heat
Despite some light rainfall in parts of Kashmir on Friday, the heat wave continued at isolated places, according to the Meteorological Department (MeT).
Director MeT Sonum Lotus said that the maximum temperature remained normal in Jammu region, but isolated places in Kashmir continued to experience heat wave conditions.
Lotus added that there is a possibility of light rainfall at isolated to scattered places of Jammu and Kashmir during the next two days. However, he said that there is no forecast of any major respite from the prevalent weather conditions for the next one week.
The prolonged dry spell has led to water scarcity at multiple places in Kashmir, while the lifting irrigation spots have also been affected by the low water levels in the major water bodies.
On Tuesday, Srinagar recorded a maximum temperature of 34.2 degrees Celsius, six degrees above normal. This was the second-highest maximum temperature ever recorded in September in the city since 1891.
The weather has remained generally hot in Kashmir in the last two decades, with temperatures touching 32.7 degrees Celsius in 2017, 2019, and 2021. However, the recent heat wave has been more prolonged and has caused discomfort for many people.
The MeT has forecast light to moderate rain in the valley over a few days from Saturday, which could bring some respite from the heat wave conditions.
The persistent dry spell has also led to complaints of water scarcity in some places in Jammu and Kashmir. The water level in almost all the water bodies, especially in the river Jhelum, Doodh Ganga, and other tributaries, has reduced.
The government has admitted that it is receiving complaints about water scarcity from some areas. The Jal Shakti department is taking steps to address the issue, including sending water tankers to affected areas.
The Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) department has also said that the present weather conditions have had a 25% impact at the lift irrigation spots.
The water scarcity and heat wave conditions are a cause for concern for the people of Kashmir. The government and the concerned departments need to take urgent measures to mitigate the situation.
