Why in News
- A Down To Earth report (March 2026) highlighted that Kashmir has recorded seven consecutive winters with below normal snowfall.
Key Findings
Declining Snowfall
- Seven consecutive winters with below normal snowfall
- Winter 2025 to 26 precipitation:
- Actual: 100.6 mm
- Normal: 284.9 mm
- Deficit: 65 percent
February 2026 Rainfall
- Actual rainfall: 14.2 mm
- Normal rainfall: 130.4 mm
- Deficit: 89 percent
Srinagar Record
- Only 5.3 mm precipitation
- One of the lowest since 1901
Rising Winter Temperatures
Record Temperatures
- Srinagar February average maximum:
- 15.6°C in 2026
- Previous record: 14.9°C in 2016
Gulmarg Temperature
- Early March temperature:
- 17.2°C
- 13.7°C above normal
Why Snowfall Matters in the Himalayas
Natural Water Storage
- Snow acts as natural reservoir
- Gradual melting feeds: Rivers, Streams and Irrigation systems
| [2023] Consider the following statements: 1 Jhelum River passes through Wular Lake. 2 Krishna River directly feeds Kolleru Lake. 3 Meandering of Gandak River formed Kanwar Lake. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None |
