Getting ready for climate change
The past several years have been giving us tough lessons on the environment front. We have been experiencing extreme climatic conditions and as such, the loses on various fronts have been immense.
Be it harsh climate during winters and summers or the huge rainfall in a limited period of time, we have experienced it all. This phenomenon is being witnessed year on year signifying that climate change is here to stay and we need to learn to live with it besides tackle it effectively.
Kashmir over the years is witnessing less snowfall during winters as well. The winter months remain mostly dry and the occasional snowfall that covers the mountains and plains here is becoming sparse with the passage of time.
Though experts have been warning us every year about the ill effects of season changes and the global warming effects, but we as a routine tend to ignore such warnings and we continue to damage the green environs which otherwise was a unique gift Kashmir possessed.
The region is witnessing a decrease in snowfall every passing year. Its impact can be observed like dryness in winters, less rainfall in March and April and increased heat in summer which is quite alarming.
It is evident that climate change has undoubtedly affected snowfall that will lead to social, economic, and even humanitarian issues in the future as snowfall is co critical for the entire region.
In Kashmir, snowfall in winter is as anticipated as the monsoon is in mainland India. Not only is it essential to ensure the water supply in the Himalayan region, the economy of Kashmir – where 70% of the people are associated with agriculture and its allied sectors for livelihood – depends heavily on a good snowfall followed by rains during summer months.
Climate change, deforestation, Urbanization and pollution are considered contributing factors to the declining downpour, be it snowfall or rains, in Kashmir. This phenomenon is indicated by various studies conducted in the region.
This gives a clear image of how global warming is adversely affecting us. Such trends are expected in the next 30-40 years, and we need strategies to cope because the decline in snowfall and rains will effect water reduction in hydroelectricity, drinking water supply, crop production and increase in forest fires, and agricultural drought.
Our key rivers like Lidder river in Pahalgam, Shaliganga in Doodhpathri, Doodhganga in Yusmarg and other waterfalls are witnessing a decrese in water discharge year on year. The main source of all these rivers and canals are the glaciers. Glaciers are the snow covered mountains that cater water to rivers, for drinking purposes, and keeps the surrounding during summers cold and charming.
The current situation of decline in snowfall is a serious sign which would have adverse consequences. Experts fear that this prevailing trend is becoming more frequent and in the future it can prove a major threat to human life.
We as right thinking citizens need to analyse this situation and try our bit and contribute towards ensuring that the damage caused to the environs by us over the years is minimised.
We need to take an extra step and help restore the greenery around us by resorting to plantations wherever possible. Besides, the over use of all those gadgets that cause damage to the environment should also be minimised to the best possible extent. At least let this be our small contribution to conserve the environment.
