Sajid Raina
Srinagar, Dec 12: Cold wave conditions continued across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh on Friday, with most parts of the Valley recording sub-zero night temperatures, while Jal Shakti officials assured residents that adequate measures are in place to maintain water supply amid the ongoing dry spell.
According to the details available, Pulwama remained the coldest at minus 5.5°C, followed by Shopian at minus 5.0°C and Baramulla at minus 4.7°C. Srinagar recorded minus 3.6°C, while Srinagar Airport registered minus 4.0°C. Pahalgam recorded minus 4.6°C, Awantipora minus 4.2°C, Budgam minus 4.3°C, and Bandipora minus 3.6°C. Gulmarg settled at 0.0°C.
Anantnag recorded minus 4.6°C, Kulgam minus 0.6°C, and Kokernag minus 0.7°C. Ganderbal settled at minus 2.6°C, while Sonamarg recorded minus 1.3°C. Zethan Rafiabad reported minus 4.8°C.
In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded 8.5°C, Banihal and Ramban 4.2°C, Bhaderwah 1.9°C, Rajouri 1.6°C, Samba 3.2°C, and Udhampur 2.8°C. Katra, Kathua, and Reasi settled at 9.4°C, 7.6°C, and 6.6°C, respectively.
In Ladakh, Leh recorded minus 7.8°C, Kargil minus 7.0°C, and Nubra Valley minus 6.3°C. Cold and dry weather is likely to continue over the next few days.
Jal Shakti officials said the Union Territory currently faces no major water shortages despite the ongoing dry spell.
The department operates five major water treatment plants in Nishat, Sukhnag, and Ganderbal, supplying around 92 million gallons of treated water daily. Discharge from the plants is normal, and water supply remains uninterrupted.
Officials warned that extended dry conditions could affect water availability in tail-end areas. To mitigate this, around 80 departmental water tankers are operational, with an additional 30 hired and more to be arranged if required.
Measures to conserve water include temporary closures, installation of barriers, and monitoring to prevent wastage.
Preparations for the upcoming winter include mobile generator sets, fuel reserves, protection against pipe frosting, insulation of exposed pipelines, and spare pipelines for emergency replacement.
Officials also said rainwater harvesting and other conservation initiatives under national schemes are being implemented, with staff directed to ensure 24×7 availability in case of emergencies.
The officers urged residents to cooperate with conservation measures and assured that all steps have been taken to maintain normal water supply during the dry spell and harsh winter conditions.
