New Delhi: Jammu and Kashmir is facing a severe water crisis due to an alarming deficit in winter precipitation. The region is experiencing its driest winter in recent history, with an 80 per cent shortfall in precipitation, raising concerns about a potential drought this summer.

While a Western Disturbance is forecast to bring some rain and snow on February 20, experts warn it won’t be enough to offset the prolonged dry spell. “There has been a 79% deficient precipitation in the month of January, and the situation in February so far is worse,” a MeT department official said.

“If the dry weather continues, it is going to cause problems for the residents of the valley as there won’t be enough water for drinking or irrigating the fields.”

January and February have witnessed significantly lower-than-average rainfall and snowfall. This has resulted in critically low water levels in major rivers, springs, and reservoirs across the valley. The Jhelum River, a lifeline for the region, has........

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