Srinagar: A significant reduction in snowfall and rainfall in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir is now threatening water supplies and the agricultural sector across the disputed territory.
According to a statement by Kashmir Media Service, the territory has experienced a sharp drop in snowfall this winter. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Director Meteorological Department IIOJK, shared that the rainfall in the Kashmir Valley fell by 76.87% between January 1 and 6, and Jammu Division saw an even larger decrease of 80.27% in the same period.
He added that temperatures in January 2025 were higher than usual, ranging from 6 to 7 degrees Celsius, which led to the early melting of snow.
Dr. Pervez Ahmad Teli, a geographical expert, expressed concern that the lack of snow could lead to lower water levels in rivers and streams. This, he said, could have a detrimental impact on agriculture, especially crops that depend heavily on water. He also warned that such dry conditions could reduce hydropower production.