Jammu & Kashmir stares at looming water stress as rainfall drops 26%

Srinagar J&K is staring down a massive water crisis as the seasonal rainfall deficit in the Union territory stands at 26% since March 1 this year. According to the Indian Meteorological Department data, only five of the 20 districts in J&K received rainfall in the normal range (81% to 119% of average seasonal precipitation).

Shopian district in the valley and Kathua in Jammu are facing massive deficit with the south Kashmir district receiving precipitation 71% less than normal from March 1 to May 6, 2026.

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Kathua has received 63% less rainfall in the corresponding period. Kulgam district is facing 53% deficit followed by Anantnag (46%), Budgam (40%), Kishtwar (36%), Udhampur (34%), Doda (31%), Pulwama (30%), Bandipora (29%), Ramban (26%) and Srinagar (22%). Poonch (41% surplus) and Samba (49%) are two districts which have received more than normal amount of rainfaill in the 10-week period.