(MENAFN- Kashmir Observer) Srinagar- Amidst the persistent dry spell, most parts of Kashmir on Monday recorded heatwave with Srinagar recording a maximum temperature of 35.6 degree Celsius, subsequently declining the water level in river Jhelum by 30 per cent.
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, was warmer than the Jammu division as the mercury settled above 5.7 degree Celsius than normal temperatures today.
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Besides Srinagar, Qazigund, Pahalgam, Kupwara and Kokernag also recorded the heat wave amidst the forecast of persistent heat wave conditions in Jammu & Kashmir parts for the next 24 hours.
Qazigund, a gateway of Kashmir, has recorded a maximum temperature of 34.0 degree Celsius while Pahalgam, Kupwara and Kokernag have recorded the day temperature of 30.2 degree Celsius, 35.6 degree Celsius and 33.5 degree Celsius respectively.
In Jammu division, the maximum temperature settled above the normal by some degrees. In Jammu, the mercury settled at 35.5 degree Celsius while in Banihal the mercury settled at 31.4 degree Celsius.
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In Batote, Katra and Bhaderwah, the mercury settled at 28.8 degree Celsius, 32.2 degree Celsius and 32.6 degree Celsius respectively.
However, the weatherman here has predicted partly cloudy weather conditions from tomorrow till July 26, saying that brief spells of rain, thundershower is expected at isolated to scattered places of Kashmir and scattered to fairly widespread places of Jammu.
Director Meteorological department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that partly to generally cloudy weather with intermittent spells of light to moderate rains are expected from July 27 and July 28, adding that there is a possibility of spell of rain and thundershower is expected at isolated to scattered places from July 29 to July 31.
In its advisory, the MeT has stated that intense showers for a brief period with possibility of landslides, mudslides and shooting stones over few vulnerable places of Jammu is expected while hot and humid weather will prevail till July 26.
Meanwhile, with the persistent dry spell in Kashmir, the Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) division, Braham Jyoti Sharma said that the water level in river Jhelum has reduced by 30 per cent due to the ongoing dry spell.
He stated that almost 10 per cent of the lift irrigation schemes have become non-functional due to the prevailing situation, adding that there was no need to panic as the situation can be controlled even if the situation deteriorates further.
“The situation is not alarming at present and the regular meetings are being conducted to take stock of the prevailing situation,” he said, adding that the situation is under control.
Pertinently, the water supply amidst the ongoing dry spell has affected 20 percent of the water supply in Kashmir with the officials concerning appealing people to use water judiciously.
20% Of Water Supply 'Badly' Affected: PHE
After the protests erupted over water scarcity in the Valley, the administration on Monday said that nearly 20 percent of water supply has been affected in Kashmir.
15-20 percent of the valley's potable water supply is“badly affected”, the Jal Shakti Department's Chief Engineer, Er. Vivek Kohli said, adding that the situation may deteriorate further in case the ongoing wet spell persists.
“Due to the prolonged dry spell, the demand in the water supply has increased, thereby affecting the supply at present,” he said.
Er. Kohli said the impact of the dry spell is more in plain areas, where a much decline in water supply is being witnessed.
“Discharge at some isolated springs across the valley has considerably reduced, which has exacerbated the water scarcity issue,” Kohli said, adding that there is no such major problem in Srinagar areas other than few tail end areas of the City.
The Chief Engineer said an emergency water supply plan has already been initiated for areas facing water scarcity.
“For water supply, we have a contingency plan, as water production depends on the availability of water in bodies like rivers and springs. However, we have moblisied all water tankers and wherever the water supply is needed, the supply will be made available,” he said.
He added that the officers in the PHE Department have also been empowered to hire private water tankers, in case the existing water tanker fleet is not meeting the requirements.
“The move is aimed to mitigate the water crisis in the areas facing water scarcity. We have already issued the toll free numbers in case people will be facing any issue, they can call us,” he added.
CE Jal Shakti PHE Kashmir urged people to use water judiciously and not to use the tap water for watering the lawns, kitchen gardens or for washing the vehicles.
Meanwhile, the meteorological department here has predicted dry weather until July 26, stating that no significant weather change is expected till the end of this month. The valley is currently experiencing hot and humid weather conditions with no sign of respite for the people living in the valley.
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