Impact of Lockdown amid COVID-19 Pandemic on Temperature and Rainfall in Sub-Himalayan Ranges of Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory, India

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of lockdown on temperature and rainfall in sub-Himalayan ranges i.e. Foothills of NW Shivaliks and Pir Panjal ranges of Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory, India. The statistical analysis inferred that due to the implementation of complete lockdown in region amid COVID-19 pandemic has brought reductions in day temperature in foothills of NW Shivaliks by 10.29% and 2.20% compared to year 2018 and 2019 respectively. While under Pir Panjal range the reduction in day temperature was found to be significant by 6.08% and 4.13%. Also evaluation of night temperature values revealed the significant reductions by 10.29% and 2.20% as compared to year 2018 and 2019 in foothills of NW Shivaliks and 10.37%, 5.93% in Pir Panjal. The Rainfall also increased in both sub-Himalayan ranges during this period and it was >100% and 70.25% under foothills of NW Shivaliks, 34.6% and 100% under Pir Panjal range. Hence the present study highlighted a plausible impact of lockdown on the weather parameters of the region, making it an efficient tool to mitigate the pace of regional changing climatic patterns for long term sustainability, productivity and for better soil, plant and animal health.