SNOWLESS KASHMIR
WHY IN NEWS?
- Recently, it was seen that Jammu&Kashmir didn’t recieved the expected snowfall.
- Even during the coldest 40-day winter period known as Chillai Kalan, which started on December 21, also didn’t see much snowfall.
MORE ABOUT THE NEWS:
- Absence of snowfall in famous areas such as Gulmarg saw a plunge in the flow of tourists and severely hitting the business of ski resorts.
- According to Government data 95,989 tourists, including 547 foreigners, had visited Gulmarg in January last year, and though the data for the first half of this month is not yet available, officials said the footfall seemed to be at least 60 per cent lower.
PRESENT WEATHER OF KASHMIR:
- Not only the lack of snow is the most visible in Gulmarg, the whole of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh have remained largely without rains or snow this winter.
- Snowfall is much more than just a tourist attraction in case of Kashmir.
- It is important for the local climate, availability of waters in streams and rivers, winter crops and horticulture and for the local economy.
- Winter precipitation in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is mainly in the form of snowfall.
- Generally, region gets its first snowfall in the first half of December, and then through most of January. But it has been mostly dry this season.
- As per India Meteorological Department (IMD) data Jammu and Kashmir saw 80 per cent rainfall deficit in December, and 100 per cent (absolutely no rain) deficit in January so far.
- Ladakh also had no precipitation at all in December or January.
WHAT ARE THE REASONS OF ABSENCE OF SNOWFALL IN KASHMIR AND LADAKH ?
- As per the current analysis, overall decreasing trend of snowfall has been attributed to a decline in western disturbance events and gradual rise in temperatures, which also invloves the role of climate change.
- During winters, on an average about four to six western disturbance events happen every month.
- During this winters, there was one feeble western disturbance event in December that did not bring any rains, and another similar one in January.
- According to scientists, the prevailing El Nino event in the eastern Pacific Ocean might be the additional factor to account for this year.
- El Nino has affected the global atmospheric circulation, and might be contributing to the deficit precipitation in the region as well
IMPACTS OF DRY KASHMIR:
- The snowfall during winters is a source of steady moisture to the soil that is vital for winter crops, particularly horticulture.
- The yields of apples or saffron, important ingredients of local economy and vital to the livelihoods of many are badly affected due to the absence of snowfall.
- A dry spell can also result in an increase in forest fires, agricultural drought, and a drop in crop production in the region.
- Reduced water availability also impact the overall food security of the area.
- Lack of snow also impacts the power generation, which is predominantly hydroelectric in Kashmir.
- The reduced water flow from melting snow adversely affects the hydroelectric plants, diminishing their capacity to generate electricity.
- Tourism, a cornerstone of Kashmir’s economy, suffers heavily in the absence of the picturesque snow-covered landscapes that attract visitors during winter snowfall.
- The lack of snow not only diminishes the visual beauty but also limits the scope for winter sports and activities, which are key attractions for tourists.
- The lack of snowfall can also postpone conducting Khelo India Winter Games.
WAY FORWARD:
- By seeing the changing weather patterns, adapting to these changes becomes imperative for the region’s sustainability, necessitating a proactive approach in managing resources and diversifying economic activities.
- It underscores the urgent need for strategic planning and policies to mitigate the impact, ensuring the resilience of Kashmir’s economy in the face of evolving climatic conditions.