Kashmir towns turning into ‘Heat Islands’ amid persistent humidity
Unplanned construction, vanishing green spaces behind rising temperatures, warn SKUAST-K experts
By: Our Special Correspondent
Srinagar: Kashmir is experiencing an alarming rise in urban heat island (UHI) effects as persistent humidity and soaring temperatures grip the Valley. Srinagar tops the list, with towns like Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Baramulla, and Kupwara also facing unusual warmth and discomfort—a trend scientists blame on unregulated urbanisation and disappearing green cover.
According to environmental experts from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), the rapid transformation of these towns into heat pockets is a result of unplanned construction, deforestation, and excessive concretisation.
“We are witnessing a classic urban heat island effect in Kashmir’s major towns, especially Srinagar. The dense concrete surfaces absorb and retain heat, while the loss of tree cover and wetlands removes natural cooling systems,” said Dr Akhlaq WaniA. Zaki, an expert at the SKUAST-K.
Dr Aliya Maqbool, an urban climate expert said: “The situation is further worsened by poorly designed drainage and ventilation in built-up areas, which traps humidity. This not only makes towns hotter but also impacts human and ecological health.”
Residents in these towns have reported sleepless nights, frequent power cuts, and growing heat-related discomfort, with many blaming the soaring night-time temperatures on unchecked construction and lack of green infrastructure.
The SKUAST-K experts also raised concerns about long-term consequences.
“If corrective measures aren’t adopted, these heat pockets could impact local agriculture, increase energy demand, and make life difficult for vulnerable populations like children and the elderly,” warned Dr Maqbool
They recommend immediate intervention through urban greening, vertical gardens, climate-sensitive construction norms, and restoration of wetlands and green belts, particularly in vulnerable areas such as Srinagar’s city centre, Pulwama’s residential clusters, and Baramulla’s expanding suburbs.
As Kashmir faces the dual threat of climate change and poor planning, experts say coordinated urban policy backed by ecological science is the only sustainable way forward.
