J&K rejoices as wet weather ends prolonged dry spell, reviving crops and water sources

Jammu, Mar 2: Jammu and Kashmir has experienced a significant turnaround as recent rains and snowfall have ended a long period of dry weather, bringing relief to farmers and revitalizing crucial water bodies.
The wet spell, which commenced on February 25, has effectively replenished soil moisture, substantially reduced the rainfall deficit, and boosted water levels in the Jhelum and Chenab rivers and also other key water sources.
It has also revived numerous springs in the hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir that were nearing depletion due to the extended dryness.
Farmers, who had been struggling with parched soil, are expressing gratitude for the timely precipitation, which has saved their crops. “The rainfall has provided vital moisture for orchards, cooled the roots, and moderated temperatures, preventing premature blooming,” an orchardist Sewa Ram said.

He emphasized that early blooming weakens fruit quality and lowers yields, making the current weather conditions ideal for apple and other fruit crops.
In mountainous district of Kishtwar, a vegetable grower, Joginder Kumar shared similar sentiments, stating, “The rainfall has given my crops a new lease of life. I feared they would wither, but now there is renewed hope.”
Saffron growers also welcomed the rains, highlighting the importance of soil moisture during the corm’s reproductive phase. “This rain will directly impact this year’s production,” a saffron grower of Kishtwar Bhanu Pratap said.
According to the Meteorological Department, the wet spell has dramatically reduced the rainfall deficit from 80 percent to 42 percent.
A particularly significant impact has been observed on the Jhelum River, Kashmir’s primary water source, which had plummeted to a record low of 0.65 feet at the Sangam gauge. The recent precipitation has raised the water level to nearly 3 feet, restoring its flow and alleviating concerns about potential water shortages. “Seeing the Jhelum flowing again after it was nearly dry is a huge relief,” said one Mohammad Tariq, a resident of Srinagar.
An officer of Jal Shakti Department, confirmed that the precipitation has replenished all major water sources, effectively ending the water shortage. “With the recent rain and snowfall, we anticipate no water shortage for at least the next two months. This is a much-needed blessing,” he stated.