Srinagar, Sep 13: With prolonged dry spell and record-breaking heat wave in Jammu & Kashmir, the water flow in the River Jhelum and its major tributaries have reduced, causing worry among the people, especially farmers.
However, the government has admitted that at some of the places, things have got affected, but stated that it is a temporary impact and cannot sustain for a long time.
In Charge Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti department, Sanjeev Malhotra told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the prolonged dry spell has reduced the water flow in the river Jhelum, Doodh Ganga and other tributaries.
“It is obvious that the water can be supplied only when it is available. But at this juncture the absence of rainfall has reduced the water flow in rivers as well as the tributaries, thus simultaneously can affect the supply process,” Malhotra said.
However, he said that there is no major impact so far, adding that the prolonged dry spell may affect things, but it is a temporary issue and cannot sustain for a long time.
The Chief Engineer further as soon as there is precipitation, things will improve on the ground. Moreover, he appealed to people to use water judiciously amid the prolonged dry spell.
Meanwhile, Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC), Naresh Kumar told KNO that so far the prolonged dry spell has caused 25 per cent impact and lift irrigation spots.
“There is not any major impact so far, but things will improve once the weather conditions improve,” Kumar said.
Pertinently, the prolonged dry spell has reduced the water level in river Jhelum and other tributaries.
The farmers have expressed worry over the low water level, saying that there will be a huge impact on their orchards in case the weather situation doesn’t improve.
Notably, J&K parts continue to witness prolonged dry spell while the hot and dry weather conditions continue for a long. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir and other areas in the valley witnessed record-breaking maximum temperature in the month of September.
—(KNO)
