SNOW LESS KASHMIR

There is a saying, “Earth does not belong to Man but Man belongs to Earth”. However, mankind has always tried to take control and exploit the earth for its own benefits without sparing even a thought for its protection. The Earth’s climate has been changing continuously for thousands of years. What is a cause for concern is the rate of this change, especially that in the earth’s temperature. In normal course, the heat absorbed by the earth gets dissipated to the atmosphere, thus maintaining a balance on the earth’s surface. But increasing concentration of greenhouse gases (GHG) like carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide etc. act as a barrier for this process of dissipation, thereby resulting in an increase in the earth’s temperature.  In simple words, they block the heat from escaping into the atmosphere.

 Climate change has posed a major threat to the pace of development, firstly due to increased frequency and intensity of hydro metrological hazards such as floods, droughts, heat waves, cyclones, storms etc. Secondly, due to the degradation and alteration of the ecosystems, decreased food production, water scarcity etc. This has resulted in increased rate of natural as well as human induced disasters. The challenge is more serious particularly in developing countries like India, where agriculture and other natural resources serve as primary resource base for livelihood and economic development.

Global warming effects have clearly been felt in Kashmir, this snowless winter. This winter, even the most dreaded, ‘chalai-kalan’, did not bring any snowfall. Kashmir is known for its snowcapped mountains and gurgling streams. Snowfall brings the much needed cheer to the people of Kashmir especially farmers, as they need the snow for their agricultural fields. Snow fed streams help them to irrigate their fields properly. This is important for good production yields. Thus People of valley eagerly wait for snowfall.

Snowfall and snow capped mountains are a major tourist attraction in Kashmir and if there is no snowfall, Kashmir valley will lose its charm. The reason behind this decreasing snowfall is the rapidly growing population, along with increased economic development which has placed a strain on the infrastructure and as well as the state’s environment. Environmental conditions, in terms of degradation of the natural resource base and increasing pollution, continue to worsen.  Deforestation, soil erosion, and land degradation are hindering economic development in rural areas. We must keep in mind that most population of the valley depends either on tourism or agriculture. No snowfall will have dire consequences on the valley’s population.

Making our environment better, will in turn be better for us as well as our future generations. It is very important for the people of Kashmir that the environmental concerns are stabilized at a level that does not endanger the humankind. 

Follow this link to join our WhatsApp group: Join Now

CLICK FOR DETAILS