Rain and Snow End Two-Month Dry Spell in Kashmir
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Synopsis
After a prolonged dry spell of 50 days, rain and snow have finally fallen in the Kashmir Valley, bringing relief to locals and replenishing essential water sources.
Key Takeaways
- Rain and snow have ended a 50-day dry spell in Kashmir.
- Hydroelectric power generation dropped by 80% during the drought.
- Local authorities postponed the 'Khelo India 2025' winter games.
- Future weather forecasts predict more precipitation.
- Residents are hopeful for restored water sources.
Srinagar, February 20 (NationPress) After a span of 50 days, the extended dry spell in the Kashmir Valley has finally come to an end on Thursday, as rain swept through the plains and higher altitudes experienced snowfall.
Celebrations erupted across Kashmir when residents awoke to the sound of rain after such an extensive drought.
A significant number of springs had dried up, leading to an 80 percent decline in hydroelectric power generation due to the extended dry conditions.
The authorities had to defer the 'Khelo India 2025' winter events planned in the ski hub of Gulmarg due to insufficient snowfall.
According to MET Department Director Mukhtar Ahmad, who spoke to IANS: "The rain and snow today have ended the prolonged dry spell. This is expected to enhance the discharge in rivers and streams shortly. If the current weather forecast remains accurate, Jammu and Kashmir can expect additional rain and snow from February 26 to February 28, with a strong likelihood based on the present model."
Local residents had been fervently praying for rain, hoping it would rejuvenate the perennial springs that had dried up and assist those facing critically low water discharge.
Srinagar's minimum temperature was recorded at 4.4 degrees Celsius, Gulmarg at minus 2.8 degrees Celsius, and Pahalgam at 1.2 degrees Celsius. Jammu city reported a minimum temperature of 11.9 degrees Celsius, Katra town at 9 degrees Celsius, Batote at 3.7 degrees Celsius, Banihal at 2.4 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah at 4.4 degrees Celsius.
Typically, the mountainous regions of Jammu and Kashmir are replenished by heavy snowfall during winter, which is essential for maintaining rivers, streams, springs, lakes, and other water bodies throughout the hot summer months.
A lack of snowfall during the winter months can lead to severe water shortages in the summer.
