Rains end prolonged dry spell in Pir Panjal

Rajouri, Jan 29: The two-month-long dry spell in Pir Panjal region, like most of the other parts of Jammu and Kashmir, has finally come to an end with light rainfall during the last 36 hours in the plains and snowfall in upper reaches.

However, the farmers in the area are praying for heavy rains which they consider important for the survival of their wheat crop.

Pir Panjal region, comprising Rajouri and Poonch districts, was experiencing a dry winter with almost no rainfall in the last two months which badly affected normal life.

Besides affecting farmers, it has led to a manifold increase in patients with respiratory issues.

However, this spell finally came to an end as most of the areas of these twin districts received light rainfall during the last 36 hours.

Drizzle on Sunday evening was followed by heavy showers on Monday morning.

The rainfall in plain areas brought much-needed respite for people, especially in terms of particulate matter.

Showers helped settle dust particles in the atmosphere.

Along with rainfall in the plains, upper reaches experienced light snowfall in twin districts.

Pir Panjal mountains are presently draped in a thin blanket of snow.

“It is for the first time in this winter season that the upper reaches are covered by snow,” Kala Ram from the remote Dhar Sakri village of Kotranka said. “Although the snow accumulated is quite less as compared to the last few years at this point 'something is better than nothing.’”

He said, “Heavy snowfall is important for many reasons as these snow-clad mountains are the main source of water in the area, besides maintaining proper atmospheric balance.”

Ayodh Kumar Sharma, a farmer in the Bat Khalara area of Rajouri, said: “Rainfall is very significant for better yield of plants and survival of crops. We had sown wheat crops in the fields but crop growth is very much delayed in the absence of rain. Heavy rains are very much required for the survival of the wheat crop.”

Incharge of Krishi Vigyan Kendra Rajouri, Dr Arvind Isher said, “Drizzle finally ended the dry spell but at least two healthy rainy days are required to overcome the growth deficit of seasonal crops and other plants.”

“There is a need for heavy rains for a day or two to revive the growth of crops and for complete settlement of dust particles,” Dr Isher said.

He said that heavy rainfall for a few days would also overcome the water deficit in the sub-region and would recharge the water table.