SRINAGAR: The Kashmir Valley, once known for its snow-laden winters, is witnessing an unprecedented dry spell during Chilai Kalan, the harshest 40-day winter period traditionally marked by heavy snowfall and sub-zero temperatures. As of now, more than 18 days of Chilai Kalan have passed without a single significant snowfall in most parts of the valley—a situation that has left environmentalists and residents deeply concerned.
The impact of this changing climate is already being felt by thousands across the region. Water shortages are becoming a daily challenge, particularly in rural areas where natural springs and streams are drying up. Health experts are also warning of a rise in respiratory and skin ailments due to dry and dusty conditions.
Unusual forest fires, once rare during winter, have been reported in various forest belts. “This is not normal for Kashmir,” said a forest official, “and it clearly reflects the growing effects of climate change.”
Just 3 to 4 years ago, the plains of Kashmir would typically witness four to five feet of snow during this period. This snow was essential not just for agriculture and water replenishment but also for regulating the region’s temperature cycle. The current dry spell, with barely any rainfall or snowfall, marks a drastic departure from the valley’s usual weather pattern.
Experts attribute the shift to global warming, deforestation, unchecked construction, and rising pollution levels. The degradation of water bodies, particularly Dal and Wular lakes, further contributes to the region’s ecological imbalance.
If this trend continues, the long-term consequences could be devastating. Reduced snowfall means lower water availability in summer, impacting agriculture—the backbone of Kashmir’s economy. It also threatens tourism, a key income source during winter.
Environmentalists urge immediate action: large-scale afforestation, conservation of water bodies, reduction in pollution, and sustainable tourism practices. Without timely intervention, the valley’s climate may undergo irreversible damage, posing serious threats to human life and biodiversity.
