A prolonged dry spell during the harsh winter season in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir has sparked concerns among residents and farmers. The region has experienced unusually high daytime temperatures, reaching up to 6 degrees Celsius (10 degrees Fahrenheit) above the normal range. While nights continue to be freezing, the lack of precipitation has left the area dry and arid.
Officials from the Indian meteorological department have confirmed that December witnessed an 80% rain deficit, and the first week of January received no rainfall. Most of the plains in Kashmir have not received any snow, while the upper reaches have seen less than usual. Unfortunately, weather experts predict that the dry conditions are likely to persist for at least another week.
Scientists link these weather shifts in Kashmir to broader climate change and global warming, warning of the cascading impact it could have on the region's water resources and agriculture. The shortened winter period, attributed to global warming, adversely affects multiple sectors such as hydroelectric power generation, tourism, and agriculture, according to Mukhtar Ahmed, head of the Indian meteorological department's Kashmir office.
Kashmir, a stunningly beautiful Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is known for its disputed status. However, at present, the primary concern revolves around the adverse effects of the dry spell. This week, climate scientists confirmed that 2023 was the hottest year on record, projecting that January's temperatures will surpass the 1.5-degree Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) threshold for the first time in a 12-month period. This threshold was set by countries hoping to limit global warming since pre-industrial times during the 2015 Paris climate talks.
The winter season in Kashmir is traditionally divided into three parts. The first, known as Chillai Kalan, is the coldest 40-day segment starting in late December, characterized by significant drops in temperature and the freezing of water bodies and pipes. Snowfall is most likely during this phase, particularly in the higher reaches of the region. It is crucial as it replenishes the thousands of glaciers that sustain water resources for agriculture and horticulture, the mainstays of Kashmir's economy.
The subsequent phases, Chillai Khord (little winter) and Chille Bachi (baby winter), span 20 and 10 days, respectively. Timely snowfall during these periods is vital for maintaining the water supply necessary for farming activities. In recent years, water scarcity has forced some farmers to switch from water-intensive paddy fields to fruit orchards.
The drastic temperature fluctuations in Kashmir have not only impacted agriculture but also caused a surge in health issues, particularly respiratory problems among residents. These challenges are exacerbated by unscheduled power cuts, a long-standing issue in the region. Despite the vast hydroelectric potential, power cuts disrupt daily life and worsen the prevailing sense of gloom during this winter season.
Furthermore, Kashmir's tourism sector has also taken a hit. The popular ski terrain in Gulmarg, known as Asia's largest, lacks the usual snow that attracts thousands of domestic and international visitors. In the winter months, tens of thousands of tourists come to Kashmir to witness the snow and enjoy its scenic hill stations and the beautiful city of Srinagar with its famous houseboats on Dal Lake.
To address the dire situation, thousands of Muslims across the region gathered for special congregational prayers, seeking divine intervention to end the dry spell. At Srinagar's Jamia Masjid, the largest mosque in the area, worshippers prayed for rain and snowfall, expressing their distress and hoping for relief. Many residents believe that only Allah can alleviate their suffering caused by the ongoing dry spell.
Governments and environmentalists alike recognize the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat global warming and its consequences. Climate change not only threatens the disputed region of Kashmir but has far-reaching effects on water resources, agriculture, and various sectors worldwide. As the dry spell continues, the people of Kashmir hope for relief, realization, and efforts toward a sustainable and resilient future.
