Hot weather and dry conditions

Kashmir, which is known for its natural beauty as well as the water resources, is presently witnessing an erratic weather condition, which has simultaneously led to the reduction in water level in all the major water bodies, especially river Jhelum and other major tributaries. The ongoing month—September as well as August, 2023 has recorded a deficit rainfall in Jammu & Kashmir where 12 per cent deficient rainfall has been recorded in the ongoing season from 01 July, 2023 to 13 September, 2023. The prevalent weather conditions as per the experts are the outcome of the climate change. According to the reports, the experts have stated that the main driver of this sudden change in weather conditions is climate change. There is a possibility of erratic weather conditions due to climate change. In that context, snowfall was recorded in the month of November in 2018-19, which is due to climate change. So the present heat wave is also a part of the erratic weather conditions. However, J&K parts have witnessed record-breaking temperature in the past few days, thus leading to the reduction in the water level in river Jhelum and other major tributaries, which has simultaneously affected the water supply and other related things. At this juncture, the people need to understand the circumstances and should use the water judiciously. Besides, it is the time when things need to be set in the right direction. The people at present mostly rely on conventional fossil fuel, which led to the increase in regional emissions, therefore, the government needs to look into it, which can help reduce the carbon footprint and can help somehow tackle the situation as well.