J&K heading towards water crisis

Abid Bashir
Comments 0
10 May 2026

Reason: six consecutive months of below-normal rainfall, snowfall • April rainfall deficit 13% • Shopian worst-hit (-67%) • 32% below-normal in Sgr • 7 consecutive weak winters

Srinagar, May 09: Jammu and Kashmir is heading towards a potential water crisis after recording six consecutive months of below-normal rainfall and snowfall, triggering concerns over drinking water shortages, irrigation stress and declining hydroelectric power generation.

According to independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif, the latest precipitation data for April shows the Union Territory received 86.5 mm rainfall against the normal 99.6 mm, marking a 13 per cent deficit. However, the shortfall has been far more severe across several districts of Kashmir Valley, particularly in south Kashmir.

“Shopian recorded the highest rainfall deficit at 67 per cent, followed by Kathua at 60 per cent and Anantnag at 46 per cent. Pulwama, Kulgam, Budgam and Srinagar also witnessed sharp rainfall shortages during the month,” Arif said.

Experts warn that the prolonged dry spell, coupled with nearly seven consecutive winters of below-normal snowfall, has started affecting natural water recharge systems, including springs, streams and rivers feeding the Jhelum basin.

“Weaker western disturbances and erratic precipitation patterns are emerging as a long-term climatic concern for the Himalayan region. The recharge cycle of glaciers, springs and groundwater is getting disrupted year after year,” Arif said.

Director Meteorological Centre Ladakh Sonam Lotus said deficient snowfall and rainfall can significantly impact river discharge, drinking water availability and hydropower generation during summer months.

“The declining water levels in streams and tributaries have already raised concerns in several rural and hilly areas where communities rely heavily on natural water sources. If the dry trend continues during summer, the pressure on water resources could intensify further,” Lotus said.

Head of the Earth Sciences Department at Kashmir University, Ghulam Jeelani, said the recurring precipitation deficit reflects a larger climate change pattern emerging across the Himalayas.

“Climate variability in the Himalayan region is becoming increasingly evident. Reduced snowfall and prolonged dry periods directly affect glaciers, groundwater recharge and river systems. Kashmir’s dependence on snow-fed hydrology makes it particularly vulnerable to such changes,” Jeelani said.

He said the Valley urgently needs long-term water management planning, including conservation of wetlands, protection of springs and scientific monitoring of groundwater extraction.

Experts have urged authorities to immediately focus on water conservation, restoration of wetlands and springs, rainwater harvesting and scientific groundwater management before the situation worsens during peak summer.