Precipitation deficit raises alarm in Kashmir Division

THE Jammu and Kashmir Government has outlined long-term, coordinated measures for water conservation and climate resilience following persistently below-normal winter precipitation over the past two years.

The proposed strategy includes 20 adaptation measures and four mitigation strategies for the agriculture sector, along with 15 adaptation-related actions for the water sector.

According to the J&K Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Department, the government is “continuously monitoring” snowfall and rainfall in the catchment areas across the Union Territory, amid growing concerns over their adequacy.

“The India Meteorological Department data shows that the winter precipitation regime over the last two years has remained persistently and substantially below normal in Jammu and Kashmir. A divisional break-up indicates that the deficit has been more acute in the Kashmir Division,” the department said.

The response came after questions were raised in the J&K Legislative Assembly regarding whether the government had taken cognisance of the snowfall deficit, particularly in the Kashmir Valley, and its cascading impact on water availability, agriculture, horticulture, hydropower generation and livelihoods.

Officials said the past two years have recorded significant precipitation deficits compared to normal levels. Data shows that during October 2024–February 2025, Jammu and Kashmir received 50.11 per cent less precipitation than normal. In the following season, October 2025–February 2026, precipitation remained depressed, with an even higher deficit of 54.33 per cent.

The disaster management department stated that the long-term response involves coordinated efforts by multiple departments, including Forest, Ecology and Environment; Agriculture Production; Jal Shakti; and Power Development. All departments are working towards strengthening water conservation measures.

The Agriculture Production Department is in the process of adopting long-term policy interventions and climate-resilient strategies to address recurring snow-deficit winters, with a focus on safeguarding agriculture and livelihoods.

Key measures include promotion of water conservation, adoption of efficient and micro-irrigation systems, diversification towards climate-resilient and less water-intensive crops, strengthening meteorological advisories, and preparation of district-level crop contingency plans under ongoing schemes, including the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).

The Forest, Ecology and Environment Department stated that the revision of the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) is at an advanced draft stage.

“The revised SAPCC is based on a comprehensive sector-wise and district-level climate vulnerability assessment. Based on the identified drivers of vulnerability, the SAPCC proposes integrated inter-departmental mitigation and adaptation actions across priority sectors,” the department said.

Officials said the revised plan proposes 20 adaptation strategies and four mitigation strategies for the agriculture sector, along with 15 adaptation-related actions for the water sector. “The coordinated implementation of these measures is expected to address climate-induced environmental stresses across the Union Territory,” the department noted.

Additionally, the Forest Department has planted more than 2.21 crore saplings over the past two years as part of its environmental conservation efforts.