Jammu and Kashmir faces a severe threat to biodiversity due to an extended dry spell lasting six weeks during the Chillai Kalan, the coldest phase from December 21 to January 29. The region has experienced a 79% rainfall deficit, with only 12.6 mm recorded in December 2023, attributing the dry weather to the climatic phenomenon El Niño. Unusually warm temperatures, 6-8°C above average, and a lack of snowfall are impacting water bodies, glaciers, and key sectors like agriculture, horticulture, and tourism. The dry spell may affect hydropower generation, irrigation, and seed germination, posing risks of forest fires and pushing wildlife towards residential areas. Geoscientists warn of elevated pollutant levels, glacier melting, and the potential for Glacial Lake Outburst Flooding (GLOF). Winter tourism, particularly in popular destinations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam, is significantly impacted, with hotel cancellations and decreased tourist activity due to the absence of snow.
From glacier loss and heightened risk of climate-related disasters to agriculture and pollution, lack of snowfall poses a danger to the fragile region.
Cheap labour, machine-made products, lack of marketing and pandemic have made them even more vulnerable Mudassir Kuloo Afroza Begum, 35, and her husband Mohammad Amin, 38, from Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir have been weaving carpets for the last 10 years. Despite being skilled artisans, the duo earns Rs 300-400 per day after working ten hours
Youngsters in the Valley are falling prey to drugs Mudassir Kuloo Mohammad Amin, a 55-year-old shopkeeper from South Kashmir’s Anantnag district, wanted his only son to become a chartered accountant. However, all his dreams were shattered as his 23-year-old son turned into a drug addict for the last five years. He is not