Srinagar, Aug. 12 -- Jammu and Kashmir is living through a climate paradox that exposes the fragility of its water systems. The first half of the year was marked by a prolonged dry spell, stretching back to late winter. Streams weakened, groundwater recharge slowed, and farmers reported stress on crops. Then July arrived with torrential rains, cloudbursts, and flash floods. What looked like relief was in fact volatility. The swing from deficit to surplus is not recovery rather it is instability.

The dry months reduced snowfall and weakened glaciers, leaving natural reserves depleted. These reserves sustain rivers, irrigation, and drinking water supply. Hydropower projects, dependent on consistent river discharge, faced uncertainty. Agric...