Monsoon Meltdown: 68% rain deficit triggers power crisis

J&K sees 27% deficit rainfall from Jan 1 to Oct 31
Srinagar, Nov 21: The tensions are further escalating in terms of power generation in the Valley ahead of the harsh winter season as the ongoing season has continued to witness a deficit rainfall with the figures revealing that 68% precipitation shortage has been witnessed from October 01 to November 20.
The figures compiled by the local Meteorological department come at a time when the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has already stated that the deficit rainfall has led to the drop in the power generation in the Valley by 80%. Already, the previous ten months in Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed 27& deficit rainfall.
However, the newly elected government that has promised adequate electricity during the winter is further landing in a distressed situation as the further drop in power generation is expected amidst the persistent rainfall deficit.
In this season alone till November 20, there has been a rainfall scarcity of 68% with the majority of the districts categorized in the list of large deficit rainfall where 60% to 99% deficit rainfall has been recorded during the period.
Shopian topped the list with 95% followed by Kulgam and Poonch with 94% and 94% deficiency. The data has revealed that Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has recorded a deficit rainfall of 78%.
According to the data, Anantnag, Budgam, Bandipora and Baramulla districts have recorded a precipitation deficiency of 86%, 89%, 77% and 62% respectively.
Ganderbal has recorded 73% deficit rainfall while Kishtwar recorded 83% less precipitation.
Meanwhile, the officials in the KPDCL stated that the power generation has already declined due to the less rainfall while it is expected to go further down in case the situation persists in the Valley.
The winter season will be a litmus test for the present elected government in Jammu and Kashmir, who has promised adequate electricity during harsh cold days. The government has already procured 300 MegaWatts of electricity.