Persistent heatwave triggers severe water shortages

Srinagar, July 21: Jammu and Kashmir continues to swelter under relentless hot and humid weather conditions, with no respite in sight.

The Meteorological Department (MeT) has forecast dry weather for the next four days, intensifying concerns about the ongoing heatwave and its subsequent impact on water scarcity.

According to the latest weather update, temperatures soared across Kashmir, with Srinagar recording a maximum of 34.4 degrees Celsius and Kupwara peaking at 34.6 degrees Celsius.

Other regions, including Anantnag recording 33.4 degrees Celsius, Baramulla 33.7 degrees Celsius, and Pulwama 34.1 degrees Celsius also experienced soaring temperatures.

The situation is similar in the Jammu division where Jammu city reached a sweltering 37.4 degrees Celsius and Kathua recorded a scorching 37.8 degrees Celsius.

The prolonged heatwave has exacerbated the water scarcity problem, particularly in rural areas. Residents of Kupwara, Bandipora, and Baramulla report dwindling water supplies, with many villages relying on tankers for daily needs.

Urban centres like Srinagar and Jammu are also feeling the strain, with water supply schedules disrupted and many households facing reduced water pressure.

“This heatwave is unprecedented, and the lack of rainfall has made things worse,” said Farooq Ahmad, a resident of Kupwara. “We are receiving water only once a day and it’s not enough to meet our needs. The situation is dire.”

The MeT forecast indicates that while isolated to scattered rain and thundershowers may occur in some parts of the Kashmir division and fairly widespread in the Jammu division, the relief would be temporary.

The advisory warns of intense showers potentially causing landslides, mudslides, and shooting stones in vulnerable areas of the Jammu division.

The prolonged dry spell and intense heat have also had a significant impact on agriculture.

Farmers are struggling to irrigate their fields, with many crops wilting under the relentless sun.

The shortage of water for irrigation is expected to impact the upcoming harvest season, leading to potential economic hardships for the farming community.

“Crops are suffering, and we are not getting enough water to sustain them,” said Ghulam Nabi, a farmer from Anantnag. “If this continues, we will face huge losses.”

In addition to water scarcity, the hot and humid conditions have also led to an increase in health-related issues.

Hospitals in both Kashmir and Jammu divisions report a rise in cases of heat exhaustion and dehydration, particularly among the elderly and children.