Parched Kashmir records 44 per cent rain deficit in two months

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded 44 per cent rainfall deficit from June 1 to July 31 with Valley accounting for 60.67% deficit and Jammu accounting for 34.83 per cent rain deficit.

Experts are worried that less snowfall in winter and dry spell in summer is impacting the glaciers and dealing blow to agriculture and horticulture sectors and drinking water generation.

Deputy Director MeT Kashmir Muktar Ahmed said Kashmir has recorded rain deficit of 60.67 per cent and 34.83 per cent in Jammu region. Against the normal precipitation of 120.5 mm, Srinagar received mere 37.7 mm rainfall during the period.

The Valley has been experiencing extended dry spell. The temperature in July broke the previous records of maximum temperature in Srinagar twice. According to the data, the highest 85 per cent deficit rainfall was recorded in south Kashmir’s Shopian district followed by the border district of Poonch with 82 per cent deficit rainfall.