The prolonged heat crisis in Kashmir is seriously harming the region’s agriculture and health. In the Pulwama district, farmers like Zaina Begum look on helplessly as their crops wither due to extended dry periods and high heat. Record-breaking heatwaves have disrupted traditional farming and threatened lives in the region, which is known for its cool Himalayan climate. Experts warn that the heat problem in Kashmir is likely to worsen, despite the recent rains providing some temporary respite. Officials and local communities are now concentrating on mitigating the immediate effects and being ready for more climate-related issues.
How severe is the heat crisis in Kashmir?
With a temperature of 37.4°C (99.3°F) this year, Kashmir saw its hottest temperature in seven decades, much above seasonal averages. Schools were closed for two weeks as the valley experienced the warmest June in fifty years. Mukhtar Ahmad, the head of the Indian Meteorological Department in Srinagar, reports that the area has already experienced three heat waves. Rivers and streams have dried up as a result of these high temperatures, making water more scarce for daily usage and agriculture. Here is the link to our article on the Heatwave Health Emergency
How is farming affected by the heat crisis?
Farmers in Kashmir are suffering terrible losses. Without consistent irrigation, apple orchards suffer, and paddy fields, which need a lot of water, are drying up. Due to unpredictable rainfall and drought conditions, Zaina Begum’s family, which has relied on paddy agriculture for decades, has not produced a strong crop in five years. In a similar vein, apple grower Ali Mohammad in the Bandipore district claims that his orchard is dying due to a shortage of water because the canals have been dry for months.
What health effects does the heat have on people?
Residents unaccustomed to intense heat face significant health hazards. An elderly man from northern Kashmir named Parveez Ahmad was admitted to the hospital after suffering from acute dyspnea brought on by the heat and humidity. Medical experts caution that these heat waves worsen cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions, particularly in susceptible populations like the elderly and young children. Here is the link to our article on heat relief measures.
How does the heat situation in Kashmir relate to climate change?
Experts blame climate change, weather patterns, and rising temperatures. According to glaciologist Mohammad Farooq Azam, weaker western disturbances speed up glacier melt and decrease precipitation. As a result, there is less snow cover, which increases heat absorption by the ground and warms the area. According to university professor Jasia Bashir, Kashmir is suffering greatly from the effects of the global climate, despite having a minimal carbon footprint. This is an obvious indication of how widespread climate change is.
What role does urbanization play in the current crisis?
Rapid urbanization in Kashmir has reduced the natural regulation of the climate by replacing agriculture and forests with concrete. According to Global Forest Watch, Jammu and Kashmir’s tree cover decreased by over 0.39% between 2001 and 2023. In Kashmir, clearances for river encroachment have also resulted in the removal of more than 600,000 trees in the past five years. A vicious cycle of heat and energy consumption is being created by cities’ increased energy demand, particularly from air conditioners, which is increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
How is the government responding?
The administration is treating the heat situation in Kashmir seriously, according to officials. Tanvir Sadiq, the local spokeswoman, acknowledges that climate change is a worldwide issue that calls for cooperation. The administration is looking into ways to lessen the effects, but it is aware of the challenges that lie ahead. Many campaigners are concerned that, despite these efforts, environmental issues remain on the political agenda.
Final Thoughts
In this delicate Himalayan terrain, the Kashmir heat crisis poses a serious threat to public health and agriculture. Urgent and coordinated action is necessary as inhabitants face growing health hazards and farmers lose harvests. In Kashmir’s future, the Kashmir heat crisis emphasizes the necessity of more robust climate legislation, better water management, and sustainable urban development.
