Srinagar, Apr 01: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a 34 per cent deficit in seasonal rainfall between March 1 and April 1.
Data released by the India Meteorological Department states that the Union Territory received 101.4 mm of rainfall during the period against a normal of 154.6 mm.
Most districts in Kashmir division reported deficient rainfall, with Shopian recording the highest shortfall at 74 per cent, followed by Kulgam at 61 per cent and Doda at 52 per cent.
Anantnag and Budgam also witnessed significant deficits of 47 per cent and 45 per cent respectively, while Srinagar recorded a 24 per cent shortfall.
In North Kashmir, Kupwara reported 21 per cent below normal rainfall, while Bandipora saw a 35 per cent deficit.
In contrast, a few areas recorded normal or above-normal precipitation. Ganderbal received seven per cent above normal rainfall, while Poonch and Samba recorded excess rainfall of 25 per cent and 35 per cent respectively.
Kargil in Ladakh registered an exceptionally high departure from normal at 782 per cent, though overall precipitation levels remained low in absolute terms.
Officials said the uneven distribution of rainfall across the region could have implications for agriculture and water availability if the trend persists—(KNO)
