Kashmir’s Winter Turns Bare as Glaciers Melt and Snow Stays Away
Experts warn of shrinking glaciers, rising threat to water, farming and winter tourism
Srinagar: Kashmir is witnessing one of its most unusual early winters in recent years, with bare mountains, warm days, and almost no snowfall across the Valley. For the second year in a row, December has remained mostly dry, raising concern about fast-melting glaciers and clear signs of climate change.
From Gulmarg to Sonamarg, slopes that once turned white by early December now lie exposed. Meteorologists and environmental experts say this is no longer just a weather variation but part of a larger warming trend affecting the entire Himalayan region.
Studies by the University of Kashmir’s Climate Research Centre show that glaciers in the region have been shrinking steadily. Noted glaciologist Dr Shakil Ahmad Romshoo said the situation is becoming serious.
“Kashmir’s glaciers have already lost around 20–28% of their area in the last three decades, and the melting has increased in the past five years,” he said. “When winters remain dry and warm, glaciers do not get the snowfall they need to recover. This is a clear signal of climate stress.”
The Kolahoi Glacier, one of Kashmir’s most important glaciers, has thinned by almost four metres in just five years, according to recent measurements.
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar says that average temperatures in December have been rising for five years. A senior Met official said this season’s maximum temperatures have stayed 3–5°C above normal in several districts.
“Our data shows that December temperatures have risen by about 2–2.5°C in the last five years,” the official said. “Snowfall is being delayed, and the amount of snow is also reducing.”
Farmers and orchardists are also worried. In the apple-growing belts of Pulwama and Shopian, growers say the dry weather will affect next year’s crop. Snow adds moisture to the soil and helps control pests naturally.
Ghulam Nabi, an apple grower from Pulwama, said, “Without snow, the soil becomes dry and pests increase. If January also remains dry, our apple harvest will suffer.”
The winter tourism sector, especially in Gulmarg, is feeling the impact as well. Hotel owners say bookings are lower because tourists are waiting for snowfall.
Many experts believe that if this pattern continues, Kashmir could face long-term challenges, including reduced water flow in rivers, weaker farm output, and a shrinking winter economy. The Valley now waits anxiously, hoping the snow will arrive before the season slips away.
