By Dr.Masoon Ahmad Beig
In the shadow of the towering Himalayas, the once-harmonious scenery of Chili-kalan in Kashmir today bears witness to a terrible narrative written in the lack of rain and snow, coupled by a steady rise in temperatures. The air, once fresh with the promise of a cool winter breeze, now bears the weight of a looming ecological disaster. The continuous tramp in temperatures puts a cloud over this region, upsetting the delicate equilibrium that has supported life for millennia. The lack of the soothing touch of snow, a characteristic feature of Chilikalan’s winters, transforms the area into a barren scene, with whispers of dry winds replacing the comfortable calm of snowfall. The heavens, bereft of life-giving precipitation, convey a quiet narrative of thirst, while the ground underneath grows dry and cracked. In this melancholy symphony of climate change, Chili-kalan confronts a future that appears to disintegrate before its eyes, where natural rhythms are replaced by an eerie quiet, and the once vivid tapestry of the seasons fades into a mournful monotony of increasing temperatures and desolate landscapes.
The Chili-kalan is known for its biting cold, snow and rain. But this year it looks like June outside. The cool hill stations of the valley are devoid of snow. The hot sunny day prevailed since the advent of Chili-kalan on 21st of December. Every day the temperature is showing an increasing trend as per IMD Srinagar temperature these days is 6-70 C above normal and Kashmir Valley is hotter than many northern states of India which is not less than a tragedy because in future the rising temperature will have large scale impacts on various spheres of life. Second, the valley’s extreme fall in precipitation will result in a tragedy in the following months, as severe drought conditions will lead to a decrease in food grain output and, lastly, an invitation to food security in the valley.
The drop in snow will have an influence on glacier accumulation in the future, and the heat will accelerate glacier retreat, affecting river discharge and, as a result, agriculture owing to a lack of irrigation. Another tragedy is that the present dry spell and extreme heat have drastically reduced river flow, which has damaged dam refilling and negatively impacted hydropower output. As a result, we are currently experiencing long-term curtailments and frequent power outages. If things stay this way, things might get worse.
The ongoing January heat may cause early flowering of plants in Kashmir, potentially causing negative impacts on agricultural practices. The risk of late spring frost, which could damage delicate flowers, could lead to reduced fruit yields and impact farmers’ livelihoods. The altered timing of flowering may also disrupt ecosystems, increasing pest and disease pressure, potentially compromising the health and productivity of fruit trees. The mismatch between flowering periods and pollinator availability could hinder pollination, reducing fruit set and impacting crop yields. The early flowering may coincide with inadequate water availability, exacerbating farmers’ challenges.
Lack of snow will halt winter sports in Kashmir negatively impacts tourism, businesses, and local athletes. Ski resorts and facilities may not be used as much, leading to financial issues. Local athletes also face challenges as they have fewer opportunities to train and compete. The economic impact extends to cultural and recreational aspects of winter, such as festive events and traditional activities. Additionally, a decrease in snow is linked to larger environmental issues like climate change, which can have long-term effects on nature. Not only this but the absence of snow in Kashmir has put an impact on the creative art development of making traditional snow art, and kids usually remain busy with mobile phones, thus affecting their health and sight.
Winter droughts may cause environmental issues in future such as water stress, increased fire risk, soil erosion, and increased disease and pest susceptibility in forests, trees, and agriculture. This disrupts natural cycles, disrupts plant-pollinator synchrony, and affects crop growth and productivity. Fruit quality may decline due to reduced juice content and reduced flavour, making stressed plants more vulnerable to pests and diseases. The lack of snow in Chili-kalan will cause drought conditions and affect agriculture and livestock. Snow is a crucial water source, but its scarcity will disrupt irrigation practices, affecting staple food grain production. The lack of snow will also affect natural pasture growth and fodder availability, affecting livestock’s health and reproduction rates. This leads to reduced meat and milk production, weakened health, and reduced reproduction rates.
The disappearance of rain and snow in Kashmir’s valleys is causing significant challenges across various sectors of life. The agricultural landscape, the heart of the economy, is struggling with reduced water supply, leading to crop failure and livelihood loss. Fruit orchards will also face stress due to the absence of snowfall, affecting tree health and productivity. Hydropower generation falters due to diminished water flow, and winter tourism is under threat. Additionally, scarce drinking water resources intensify, leading to shortages and quality issues, posing health risks for communities. The situation is a tragic story that affects the region’s economy and the lives of its people.
The disruption of natural habitats in Kashmir will cause a decline in biodiversity may cause social and economic strains. The crumbling economy will cause migration and displacement among communities. The story of dwindling rain and snow calls for collective efforts besides “Nimaze Istisqa” and traditional “Susras” there is a need to implement sustainable practices and adaptive strategies to maintain the region’s resilience.
The author teaches Geography at Government Degree College Kulgam
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