Dry spell takes toll on water supply, residents, farmers pray for relief
Light snowfall expected from Nov 14: MeT
Srinagar, Nov 12 (KNO): With Kashmir valley finally set to see signs of a weather change, the fresh rain and light snowfall are bringing a slight end to a prolonged dry spell that has left residents of the valley struggling with water shortages across Srinagar city and other parts of the valley.
Similarly, the extended lack of precipitation has severely impacted water flow across Srinagar, leading to reduced supply and anger among residents, many of whom took to the streets in protest.
“Every drop counts this time,” said Asim, a resident of Hyderpora.
According to the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, the data available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said while November 12-13 will likely remain dry, light rain and snow are expected over higher reaches in Kashmir and parts of Jammu division on November 14-15 and again on November 16 in scattered areas.
However, the MeT said that the region is expected to experience dry weather from November 17-23, meaning the recent precipitation may only offer temporary relief.
“This period of the year is typically dry, but the prolonged dry spell has intensified the water crisis,” an official from the Jal Shakti (PHE) department told KNO.
He said the department is working to manage the situation by arranging water through tankers in areas facing extreme shortages. “The recent snowfall and rainfall are helpful, but their impact on water levels will take time to be felt,” he said.
“The Kashmir valley has experienced fewer such prolonged dry spells in past years,” an elderly man said.
In the meantime, many residents in Srinagar remain anxious about water shortages. “We have been waiting for rain for so long. This short burst is just a start, but we need more consistent rain to truly help us,” said Shafiq Ahmed, a local.
As already reported by KNO, the prolonged dry spell has also taken a heavy toll on farmers in the region, with the lack of rainfall affecting crops across the valley. “From fruit orchards to vegetable fields, crops are struggling due to insufficient water.”—(KNO)
