Sheikh Mustafa
SRINAGAR: Kashmir, long known as “Paradise on Earth” for its moderate climate, is facing an unprecedented heat wave. Srinagar recorded its hottest day in 25 years, with temperatures soaring to 35.7°C in July, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.
This extreme weather follows last September’s record-breaking temperatures, the second hottest in 132 years. The traditionally cool Himalayan region is now experiencing more frequent extreme weather events, including heavy rains and flash floods.
The heat wave is disrupting daily life and raising concerns about the long-term environmental impact on this once-temperate paradise. Experts say these events signal the growing presence of global climate change. A 2019 study showed that the average annual temperature in Kashmir has increased by 0.8°C in 37 years (1980-2016), and over the last few years many summers have seen record-breaking temperatures.
The heat wave is a global phenomenon and Kashmir is no exception. The critical impact of the changing weather patterns is causing much concern, globally.
According to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). “The Earth experienced its hottest day in at least 84 years on July 22, with the global average temperature reaching a record high of 17.15 degrees Celsius.”
Dr Sheikh Ghulam Rasool former physician and, an environment expert, draws a connection between climate change and human intervention and predicts far-reaching consequences as the rising temperatures ripple through ecosystems, economies, and human societies with devastating impact.
The Climate Change Driving Force
Dr Sheikh Ghulam Rasool says that “for generations, Kashmir has been known for its idyllic summers, embraced by snow-capped mountains and cool valley breezes, but in recent years, harsh reality has set in. The grip of climate change is tightening, manifesting in rising temperatures and more frequent heat waves.”
He explains the severity of the situation: “What we’re witnessing is not just a hot summer. It’s a glimpse into a future where extreme heat becomes the new normal. These heat waves are longer, more intense, and more frequent than what we’ve seen in the past.”
Dr Rasool says that while heat waves are not a new phenomenon, their increasing frequency and intensity are directly linked to human-induced climate change. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes have led to a dramatic increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, trapping heat and driving global temperatures upward.
According to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), human-caused climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of heatwaves since the 1950s and additional warming will further increase their frequency and intensity.
Retreating of Glaciers
Dr Sheikh Ghulam Rasool notes a significant shift in environmental patterns due to the severe impact of human intervention on glacial health.
He explains “that in the past, there was a balanced cycle of evaporation and precipitation, but this equilibrium has been changed now. Currently, evaporation rates have decreased, and rainfall has become less frequent, profoundly impacting mountain ecology and water levels.”
Dr Rasool recalls when glaciers played a crucial role in cooling the environment and maintaining adequate water levels in wetlands. “Even modest temperature increases would trigger evaporation, leading to rainfall and naturally replenishing water sources,” he adds. Dr Rasool emphasizes that “the natural cycle has been severely compromised due to human activities, resulting in diminished glacier mass, altered precipitation patterns, and reduced water availability in ecosystems that depend on glacial meltwater. The consequences of these changes extend beyond local environments, affecting regional water issues, agriculture, and biodiversity.”
The Kolahoi glacier is the biggest glacier in Kashmir and is the main source of water for the river Jhelum. However, a study has shown that the glacier has lost 23% of its area since 1962 and has fragmented into smaller parts. “The snout retreat rates also suggest that the glacier has been imbalanced between 1962 and 2018 and is not approaching equilibrium,” the study noted.
Shrinking of Wetlands
Dr Sheikh Ghulam Rasool says “Shrinking of wetlands is a silent ecological crisis, these aquatic ecosystems serve as nature’s air conditioners, regulating our regional climate. As we lose these wetlands, we’re witnessing a domino effect on temperature patterns.” He explains, “The marshes and lakes absorb excess heat, acting as natural buffers against temperature extremes. As they shrink, we lose not just habitats but our environmental equilibrium.”
He adds that Narkara wetland and Hokersar wetland are shrinking, even Wullar and Dal Lakes have reduced in size.”
Another concerning trend, he points out, is that rainfall patterns cause silt formation and are leading to the formation of new landmasses where sediment accumulates near water bodies. This may encourage land grabs and thus seemingly masks a hidden threat.
“The wetlands act as natural air conditioners, absorbing excess heat and moderating temperatures. Their disappearance leaves us vulnerable to rising mercury and extreme temperatures,” Dr Rasool points out. He paints a stark picture, adding that “unfortunately we have lost it and now the consequences are dire rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, global warming and increased vulnerability to climate change.”
In the last 10 years, J&K lost 2372 kanal of wetlands, according to the most recent Government of India (GoI) report. Over 120 hectares (2373 kanal) of wetland were lost in J&K between 2006-07 and 2017-18, according to a report by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI), a department of the GoI concerned with the coverage and quality of statistics.
Increasing human intervention
The human impact on global climate change is undeniable and Dr Rasool provides a stark assessment. “The heat waves we are witnessing in Kashmir are not simply a natural phenomenon, they are the direct result of our collective actions and the unsustainable practices that have contributed to the warming of our planet. The fingerprint of human influence is etched indelibly upon this crisis, a stark reminder of the consequences of our choices,” he says.
Dr Rasool’s statement is backed by scientific evidence and reflects deep concern for the region’s future. “The emissions of greenhouse gases, the reckless exploitation of natural resources, deforestation, mining, heavy transport the disregard for the delicate balance of our ecosystems these are the human interventions that have set in motion the chain of events leading to this heat wave calamity. There is still time to address this crisis before it’s too late,” he says.
Ikhlaq Majeed, a PhD Scholar of environmental science at Kashmir University, explains that the rising temperature in Kashmir is a two-fold issue.
Firstly, global warming plays a significant role. While the amount of sunlight reaching Earth remains constant, we have increased the atmosphere’s capacity to retain heat. This is primarily due to the increased concentration of greenhouse gases, which trap more heat and cause overall warming, he says.
Secondly, urban areas experience a phenomenon called the heat island effect. Here, buildings, roads, and infrastructure absorb and re-emit heat more efficiently than natural landscapes, leading to higher temperatures in cities compared to surrounding areas. This effect contributes to a more intense feeling of heat in urban environments.”
The problem is also exacerbated by factors like the increasing trend of converting paddy lands into cash crops, particularly development of apple orchards over once existing rice fields. Rasool points out that these converted fields require high water consumption.
Majeed agrees and explains that such fields are characterized by reduced wood and increased fruit yield, which potentially compromises photosynthesis and oxygen production. He, however, observes that this is not a fast-catching trend. Financial issue is the primary deterrent for farmers, disabling the shift from paddy cultivation to apple orchards, he adds.
Impact on Human Health, Environment and Infrastructure
The consequences of prolonged heat wave extend far beyond mere discomfort. Heat waves have adverse impact on people’s health, environment, and energy infrastructure.
Dr Khursheed, BMO Boniyar says that in hospitals, “we’re seeing a significant uptick in heat wave-related cases”. Many patients, especially the children are arriving severely dehydrated, with headache, nausea, with skin and eye related infection.
Dr Khursheed advises against prolonged exposure to the sun, recommending people to stay in shaded areas. He emphasizes immediate contact with a doctor for anyone experiencing discomfort. Patients complaining of heat-related symptoms are treated with ORS and IV fluids. The doctors are actively engaged in community outreach to raise awareness about the current heatwave, highlighting the heightened risks of heatstroke and dehydration. He specifically warns farmers working in fields to avoid direct sunlight.
The agricultural sector, the backbone of Kashmir’s rural economy, is facing challenges. Fruit growers, in particular, are worried about the impact on Kashmir’s famous apple orchards. Naseer Ahmad an apple farmer from Baramulla district, says, “The extreme heat is affecting fruit development. We’re seeing smaller apples and increased sun damage. If this continues, it could devastate our livelihoods.”
“The relentless heatwaves have made our forests similar to barren landscapes, stripping them of the life-sustaining grass that nourished our cattle. This ecological crisis is not just a threat to our environment but also a major blow to the livelihoods of our rural communities,” said another farmer Noor Din Sheikh.
Dr Ghulam Rasool states that the fish species have drastically declined from 63 to a mere 13 due to severe water pollution and oxygen depletion. Of these 13, only 4 species are commonly found, while the remaining 9 are rare, highlighting the critical situation. Dr Rasool further emphasizes that even some forest-specific fish species are on the brink of extinction.
Reports available paint a grim picture of the energy infrastructure. Persistent dry spells and continuous heat waves have led to a 30 per cent reduction in the water level of the Jhelum River. Even “the power generation in Jammu and Kashmir has reduced by over 15 per cent due to depleting reservoirs caused by the heatwave and deficit rainfall,” according to a report.
Preventive Measures and Adaptation Strategies
While systemic changes are crucial, experts emphasize that individual actions can also play a significant role in both mitigating climate change and building resilience to extreme heat.
Majeed stresses the importance of urban planning in mitigating heat waves. “We need to rethink our urban development strategies. Increasing green spaces, using reflective materials for roofs and pavements, and improving building designs for better ventilation can help reduce urban heat island effects.”
For the agricultural sector, Dr Rasool suggests adopting heat-resistant crop varieties and adjusting planting schedules. He advises farmers to consider shifting to early maturing varieties of apples and other fruits that can withstand higher temperatures. Improved irrigation techniques and protective measures like shade nets can also help mitigate heat damage.
While immediate adaptation measures are crucial, experts emphasize that addressing the root cause of climate change is essential for long-term sustainability. he calls for urgent action, “We need a multi-pronged and systematic approach that includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving our forests, and promoting sustainable development practices.”
As Kashmir navigates this new climate reality, the region stands at a crossroads. The current heat wave serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate action, both locally and globally. With a combination of immediate adaptation measures, long-term sustainability strategies, and community resilience, there is hope that Kashmir can preserve its natural beauty and way of life for future generations.
The road ahead is challenging, but as Dr Rasool concludes, “By coming together and taking decisive action on climate change, we can ensure that our valley remains the paradise it has always been, not just for us, but for the entire world.”
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