Weather throws challenge

With the deficit of 27 per cent rainfall in the first ten months of 2024, the power generation has badly affected in the Valley with the officials claiming that it has gone down by 80 per cent. The figures have been revealed at a time when the Kashmir Valley is heading towards the bone-chilling cold period as the minimum temperatures across the Valley including the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, Srinagar, has plummeted to below freezing point. The year—2024 began on an alarming note, as J&K recorded a deficit rainfall of 48% during January and February months. However, another season from March to May—a pre-monsoon period — ended with a nine per cent shortfall. The Monsoon season also ended with 26 per cent deficit rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir following which the previous month—October also ended with a 74 per cent deficit. With such weather conditions and less precipitation, the power generation from J&K’s UT has reduced by 80 per cent at a time when demand is set to increase further. The officials have admitted that there is very less generation because of less rainfall. As of now, the generation is only 60-70 megawatts of power from the power grids of Kashmir while from one of the power grids in Chenab Valley; it is generating some 150 megawatts of power in the evening and late hours. At this juncture, the weather conditions have further deepened the responsibility on the newly elected government as the people usually complain of less power supply during the period. But, at a time when the generation has gone down, it would be interesting to see whether the government will go for more procurement of electricity to bring respite to the people or fund some other alternatives to mitigate the sufferings of people.