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| Climate change: Snow deficit, rainfall shortage push J&K to brink | | |
Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 18: The postponement of the second phase of the 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games is a stark reminder that Jammu and Kashmir is bearing the brunt of climate change. With hilly areas experiencing below-average snowfall and the plains suffering from a significant rain deficit, the region is facing a looming environmental crisis that threatens both agriculture and water availability.
The prolonged dry spell has left farmers across both Jammu and Kashmir deeply concerned about their crops, while experts warn of an impending water crisis in the summer months due to the depletion of groundwater levels.
Originally scheduled to be held in Gulmarg from February 22-25, the second leg of the Khelo India Winter Games has been postponed due to inadequate snowfall. The Jammu & Kashmir Sports Council confirmed the development on social media, stating: "The 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games, initially set for February 22-25, 2025, has been postponed due to insufficient snowfall. A new assessment will be conducted once snow conditions improve, and the revised update will be announced accordingly," it wrote on X.
The lack of snowfall has not only affected winter tourism and sports but has also severely impacted water bodies across the region. A prolonged dry spell has prevented the recharging of water reservoirs, with key rivers, including the Jhelum and Chenab, witnessing alarmingly low water levels. The majority of streams and the Jhelum River itself are currently flowing below ‘zero level.’
Officials from the Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department attribute the declining water levels to the snowless winter. The absence of regular precipitation has made it difficult for natural water sources to replenish, heig The postponement of the second phase of the 5th edition of the Khelo India Winter Games stark reminder of climate change.
With hilly areas experiencing below-average snowfall and the plains suffering from a significant rain deficit.
The region is facing a looming environmental crisis that threatens both agriculture and water availability.
The prolonged dry spell has left farmers across both Jammu and Kashmir deeply concerned about their crops.
According to meteorological data, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded an overall rainfall deficit of 29% so far. The most severe deficiency was observed in January 2024, with a staggering 91% shortfall.
Additionally, from January 1 to February 12, 2025, the region recorded a 79% deficit in precipitation. Against a normal expected rainfall of 140mm, only 29.8mm was recorded during this period. Every district across the Union Territory has witnessed a significant drop in rainfall levels, exacerbating concerns over water scarcity.
The reduced snowfall and declining water levels have also had a direct impact on hydropower generation in Jammu and Kashmir. Over the past month, power generation from local hydroelectric plants has declined by 5%, further straining the energy supply.
Overall, hydropower production in the Union Territory has dropped by a staggering 84.17%. In January, the Power Development Department (PDD) was generating approximately 250 megawatts from local hydropower projects, which accounted for 20% of the total capacity. However, this month, the generation has fallen even further, aggravating the region’s power shortage.
The persistent dry spell and climate variations highlight the growing challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir due to climate change. The combination of water scarcity, reduced snowfall, and diminishing hydropower generation underscores the urgent need for long-term climate adaptation strategies and sustainable water management policies.
With winter sports events being postponed, farmers struggling with dry fields, and power shortages worsening, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir serves as a warning sign of the broader environmental changes taking place across the region. |
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