Heatwave grips Kashmir: Paddy fields face water shortage as Srinagar records season’s hottest day
KINS Desk
Srinagar, June 20 (KINS): Kashmir is reeling under an unusual and intense heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 35°C for several days.
On Friday, Srinagar again recorded a maximum temperature of 35.2°C — the highest for June in the last 20 years. In Jammu, the mercury touched 36.5°C, narrowing the temperature gap between the two cities to just 1.3°C.
According to officials from the Meteorological Department, Srinagar has been experiencing an intense heatwave this week, and Friday’s temperature has set a new seasonal high.
Earlier this month, Srinagar broke its own heat record after nearly 20 years, and now that record has been broken yet again within just 24 hours.
The weather department has predicted a wet spell but has warned of continued hot and dry conditions across the region in the coming days and has advised people to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during peak hours, and take necessary precautions, especially children and the elderly.
Meanwhile the extreme heat has led to a significant drop in the water level of the Jhelum River — Kashmir’s main water source — which originates from Verinag Spring in Anantnag and flows through Baramulla’s Uri town into Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
Experts say the drop in water levels is largely due to a combination of severe heat and low snowfall during the winter. With the perennial mountain reservoirs nearly exhausted, streams, rivers, springs, lakes, and even wells across the Valley are showing alarming declines.
Farmers in many districts — including Ganderbal, Budgam, Bandipora, Kupwara, Shopian, Kulgam, Anantnag, Baramulla, and Srinagar — are already struggling. Paddy fields in highland areas are facing water shortages at a critical growth stage, and apple orchards are also under stress due to insufficient irrigation.
“Water is essential for paddy till it reaches the grain-filling stage. Without it, yields will suffer,” said a farmer in Budgam. Apple growers have also warned that lack of water will affect the quality, colour, and shelf life of their fruit.
The dry spell in April and May was briefly eased by scattered rainfall, but that wasn’t enough to sustain water bodies. The Meteorological Department has now forecast some relief. “Dry weather is expected in Kashmir over the next 24 hours, with chances of isolated light rain in Jammu. From the day after, scattered to fairly widespread light rain may occur across Jammu and Kashmir,” a MeT official said.
While residents and farmers wait for the rains, concerns remain high over the rising temperatures and falling water levels — a rare and worrying combination for the Valley.(KINS)
