Water stress alert for 2026–27; Jal Shakti readies tankers, rationing measures
Srinagar, Feb 11: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded two consecutive winters of sharply deficient precipitation, with official data showing that the Union Territory received more than 50% below-normal snowfall and rainfall during both the 2024–25 and 2025–26 winter seasons, according to documents accessed by Rising Kashmir.
Based on India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, precipitation between October 2024 and February 2025 was 50.11% below normal, while the following winter (October 2025–February 2026) saw a deficit of 54.33%. The shortfall was more acute in the Kashmir Division, according to divisional data.
The government stated in an official document that it is continuously monitoring precipitation in the catchment areas of Jammu and Kashmir and is closely observing concerns over the adequacy of snowfall and rainfall. Sector-wise action plans have been prepared to address the cascading impact on water availability, agriculture, horticulture, hydropower generation, and livelihoods.
In the agriculture and horticulture sectors, the Agriculture Production Department has informed that it is in the process of adopting long-term policy interventions and climate-resilient strategies to address recurring snow-deficit winters.
According to the department, the measures include promotion of water conservation, expansion of micro-irrigation systems, diversification towards less water-intensive and climate-resilient crops, strengthening of agro-meteorological advisories and preparation of district-level crop contingency plans under ongoing schemes, including the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).
The department has stated that the situation is under continuous review and that crop-specific advisories have already been issued.
The Jal Shakti Department, as per the official documents, has carried out preliminary assessments of potential water availability for 2026–27 and has initiated measures to combat possible water deficiency. For drinking water supply, the department has outlined steps including deployment of water tankers where required, regulation of water distribution in shortage-prone areas, operational strengthening of lift water supply schemes, construction and reinforcement of diversion bunds and intake arrangements to utilise minimum water levels during lean periods, repair and upgradation of critical infrastructure and intensified leakage control.
The department has also indicated that district-level control rooms will be set up and public advisories issued to ensure judicious use of water, along with establishment of free drinking water stations at public places.
In the irrigation and flood control sector, the department has stated that it will adopt the irrigation scheduling calendar issued in 2023, ensure timely implementation of stage contracts from April 1 to address any drought-like eventuality, undertake de-silting of irrigation works in convergence with the Rural Development Department and enforce warabandi for equitable distribution of irrigation water.
Crop diversification measures, the documents reads, will be undertaken in consultation with the Agriculture Department.
With respect to hydropower, the official reply states that reduction in winter snowfall in the Kashmir Valley significantly impacts hydropower generation by resulting in lower water inflow, which adversely affects overall generation outcomes of hydropower projects.
The documents accessed by Rising Kashmir state that, as of now, the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation (JKPDC) has not developed any specific action plan in response to reduced snowfall winters, and that there exists no dedicated policy addressing the challenges posed by such winters in hydropower projects.
However, the reply notes that JKPDC has initiated implementation of an Early Warning System for vulnerable hydropower projects in accordance with guidelines issued by the Central Electricity Authority under the Ministry of Power, Government of India.
A Disaster Management Plan for the Baglihar Hydroelectric Project is stated to be under preparation, while non-storage projects are relying on district disaster management plans for preparedness and emergency response.
On long-term climate interventions, the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment said that the revision of the State Action Plan on Climate Change (SAPCC) is at an advanced draft stage.
According to the department, the revised SAPCC is based on comprehensive sector-wise and district-level climate vulnerability assessments and proposes integrated inter-departmental mitigation and adaptation actions. The draft plan includes 20 adaptation strategies and four mitigation strategies in the agriculture sector and 15 adaptation-related actions in the water sector.
The Forest Department has also stated that more than 2.21 crore saplings have been planted in the last two years.
In the water sector, a State Specific Action Plan (SSAP) is being prepared under the National Water Mission, with the National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee, designated as the nodal agency for Jammu and Kashmir and IIT Jammu acting as the state nodal institute. The draft report has been approved by the Government of India and the interim report is under process, the documents state.
To strengthen forecasting and preparedness, the government has stated that it is taking continuous updates from the IMD regarding winter precipitation in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions. Plans are underway for installation of four additional Doppler Weather Radars in Doda, Rajouri, Anantnag and Baramulla, in addition to the existing X-band radars in Srinagar, Jammu and Banihal.
The document further reads that 34 additional automatic weather stations and snow gauges are proposed in districts including Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Rajouri, Udhampur, Kupwara, Bandipora, Baramulla and Shopian. Ramban and Kishtwar have also been identified under a broader initiative for hyper-local forecasting systems in Himalayan states.
