By: Altaf Ahmad Wani
The year 2024 stands out as one of the driest periods in Kashmir’s history, posing severe challenges to agriculture, water resources, and the region’s fragile ecosystem. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s cautionary note last week on climate change in J&K is therefore timely.
The drought, driven by climate change, highlights the Himalayan ecosystem’s vulnerability and the urgent need for sustainable, long-term solutions.
To begin with, let us take a look at the stark realities of the 2024 drought.
Kashmir witnessed a 34% rainfall deficit from June to July 2024, with only 161.8 mm compared to the typical 243.9 mm. El Niño and Western Disturbances contributed to a weak monsoon season.
The winter months saw 80% less snowfall in November and a 79% decrease in December. This deficit jeopardises glacier health and lowers essential snowmelt, which feeds rivers during dry seasons.
Since 1962, the amount of glacier cover in the Kashmir Himalayas has decreased by 23%. Between 1980 and 2015, large glaciers such as Kolahoi lost 18% of their volume and 13.5% of their area. The region’s long-term water supply is under jeopardy due to this diminishing glacier reserve.
The Jal Shakti Department has issued advisories as a result of lakes and rivers drying up. There are currently severe drinking water shortages in several communities in North and Central Kashmir, and if precipitation levels stay low, the issue is only going to get worse.
The backbone of Kashmir’s economy has been significantly harmed. In hilly areas, 90% of crops rely on rain. Apple orchards, a crucial economic crop, have suffered from limited water supply and increased pest infestations. Farmers worry that the dry conditions are causing crops to wither and making them more vulnerable.
The Himalayas, which are additionally referred to as the “Roof of the World,” are a crucial frontline in the fight against climate change. This mountain range, which feeds 240 million people and supplies water to over 2 billion, is warming faster than the global average, with temperatures rising by 0.15 to 0.60 degrees Celsius per decade. The consequences —accelerated glacier melt, catastrophic weather events, and altered ecosystems —are transforming lives throughout South Asia, including people living in our Himalyan belt.
Mitigation strategies needed
Using organic agricultural and horticultural methods can lower greenhouse gas emissions and increase soil resilience. Effective tactics include reducing the use of excessive fertiliser, aerating the soil, and using composted manure.
Also, adding drought-resistant genotypes and low-chilling cultivars like kiwis, olives, and apricots can increase agricultural sustainability.
Using essential irrigation methods and constructing reservoirs will help alleviate water scarcity.
We can help keep soil moist by using protective coverings and soil amendments.
Research on glacier health monitoring and policies to safeguard ecosystems supplied by glaciers are essential for sustainable water management. Farmers can anticipate insect outbreaks and adjust to unpredictable weather with the aid of improved forecasts.
Prioritising resource allocation planning, particularly for water and land management, is essential.
Investing in climate-resilient technologies and regional studies can help reduce the impact of global warming.
The drought in Kashmir in 2024 is a clear example of how quickly climate change is having an impact. It is not only a regional issue but also a global one to preserve the Himalayan ecology. The knowledge gained here, whether in the areas of glacier conservation, sustainable water management, or adaptable agriculture, may serve as a model for addressing climate issues globally.
The current situation of Kashmir emphasises the need for swift policy action to guarantee a sustainable future as we struggle with very present climate change.
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