Srinagar: The Kashmir Valley is witnessing an unprecedented change within the climate. It’s January and a lot of the vacationer resorts like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg by now used to have ample snow collected. But this yr, the winter wonderland of Kashmir, Gulmarg is dry with no snow anyplace to be seen. The consultants blame world warming whereas the vacationers visiting to witness the snow are left upset.
Dry Spell Affects Glaciers, Groundwater, Horticulture
Kashmir Valley is dealing with a dry spell this season, with no snow or rain within the valley. The MeT Department says that there’s round 75 % rainfall deficit via December and January. And the world-famous ski resort Gulmarg slopes are wanting barren with no snow cowl.
“The weather is dry throughout Jammu and Kashmir and during the next one week till 16th to 17th January, the weather is going to be dry. There is no major relief from this dry spell for the next few days. Over the years, the glaciers have shrunk, and this year there has been no snow, and the rate of shrinkage can be rapid due to absence of snowfall. Long term implications of the dry spell could affect groundwater level and horticulture sector too. There is no snow, and it will impact tourism as well,” mentioned Mushtaq Ahmad, Director, MeT, Kashmir.
The climate consultants have mentioned that the warming of sea floor temperatures has disrupted the worldwide climate and can be one of many causes for much less rains and snow within the Himalayan area.
Tourists Cancel Trips, Locals Lose Income
The vacationers visiting locations like Gulmarg and Pahalgam are extremely upset as there isn’t a snow cowl on these hill stations. Many of them had deliberate their journeys in January to see snow and revel in winter sports activities, however they’re now regretting their choice. Daman, a vacationer from Delhi, mentioned, “We had planned a trip in January to see snow and we are disappointed that there is no snow. We spent so much money and came so far, and we are kind of disappointed.”
The dry spell has additionally now began to affect the livelihood of the locals whose lives depend upon tourism. The disappointment among the many vacationers visiting is now spreading through social media and many individuals are cancelling their journeys to Kashmir. The vacationer stakeholders are additionally praying and hoping for climate change in order that the vacationer rush continues.
Touseef Parray, a vacationer information, mentioned, “We are losing out a lot of money due to no snow. Usually there used to be a lot of snow, around 5-6 feet but the dry spell has led to a lot of losses. The sledge guys, the guides and everyone is losing out on money due to dry spell.”
Locals Blame Government, Demand Action
People residing at these vacationer locations are additionally indignant with the federal government, they consider that each one the bushes which are lower right down to construct motels and huts are additionally a giant motive for local weather change. They request the federal government to concentrate to this, in any other case a nasty scenario will flip in worst.
“The forests in Gulmarg that are being continuously cut down to build hotels seem is proving disastrous. Apart from this, garbage and other plastic wastes being dumped in forests is also affecting climate. Government needs to pay attention to otherwise those tourist places will be destroyed,” mentioned Shahid Salim, a social activist.
The Meteorological Department has mentioned that no reduction is predicted for subsequent one week as no main western disturbance is approaching to Jammu and Kashmir. Gulmarg Development Authority had already organized winter sports activities and winter carnival a month in the past, together with 4 Games India Games and different ski programs in Gulmarg, Pehlgam and Sonamarg however is ready for snow.
