Jammu
There had been drought -like conditions in the Kashmir Valley for a long time, but the recent heavy rains have given great relief to the people here. Due to the effect of Western disturbance, this rains increased the cold in the valley but also reduced the possibility of water crisis to some extent. Meteorologists are considering it a lifeline for the valley, as it has reduced the lack of rain from 80 percent to 42 percent. Although this is not a solution to the entire problem, experts believe that this rain is no less than a boon for the recent rain for the water sources of Kashmir.
According to the report, an official of the Meteorological Department said that during the winter period normally receives 15.5 mm of rainfall, but this time Jammu and Kashmir received 78.4 mm of rainfall, which is 407 percent more than normal. Earlier, the lack of rainfall in the entire state was 80 percent, which has now come down to 42 percent. Udhampur district of Jammu region received 1,891 percent more rainfall than normal, while in Ganderbal district of Kashmir Valley, the figure was 511 percent higher. According to the Meteorological Department, in the months of January and February, there should have been 225.4 mm of rainfall normally, but this time only 131.5 mm of rainfall, which recorded a total reduction of 42 percent. Although this decrease is better than the earlier 80 percent figure, meteorologists are considering it just a temporary relief given the drought situation in Kashmir. It is worth noting that Kulgam district of Kashmir is the most affected by 69 percent rainfall, while in Samba district this decrease is zero percent.
Meteorologists told Sanjeevani
According to meteorologist Faizan Arif, this western disturbance was very important for Kashmir. He said, “However, it cannot change the condition of dry weather completely, but this rain has given a lot of relief.” Expressing concern about climate change, he said that this problem is still equally serious. Arif said, “We need immediate and solid climate policy. Investing now to deal with the climate crisis is necessary to avoid the big losses and disasters in the future. ”
Kashmir was the most drought last year
The concerns of the people of Jammu and Kashmir had also increased because 2024 proved to be the most dry year in the history of the state. The state recorded less than normal rainfall for the fifth consecutive year. 2024 received only 870.9 mm of rainfall, while the annual average is 1,232.3 mm. Earlier, 2023 received 1,146.6 mm of rainfall, which was 7 percent less than normal. The effect of rainfall was that the water level of many water sources went below zero level. Many natural waterfalls in South Kashmir dried up completely.