Obnoxious and drastic weather events were believed to be the manifestation of empyrean authority during olden times, and reminders for human beings that there is a celestial power governing the universe. Even many would attribute it to the divine retribution for growing sins and transgressions by the best of best creation on the earth. But, these execrable events would hardly last for a few minutes or hours, and would never occur frequently. Though the disastrous episodes of nature’s fury would cause damage to life and property, but would not pose any constant threat to the existence of the biological world on the planet. An occasional hailstorm, a seasonal deluge, a rare cloudburst or an incidental snowstorm was but only a part of natural weather patterns. Thus, nature’s fury was hardly catastrophic or devastating for our ancestors, though it was something agonizing and painful.
But now, man has been the catalyst to stir appalling and horrific changes in the weather system. Humans have dangerously begun to fiddle with Mother Nature. Crown of the creation is altering the working of nature by resorting to excessive emissions. Growing industrialization and urbanization, coupled with relentless deforestation has led to awful changes in our weather patterns. Now our frosty winters are chilling our bones, and our summers simmer to scald us on blazing embers. The summer of the year 2024 has seared and charred us miserably. According to Indian Metrological Department (IMD), October 2024 was the warmest October in India since 1901. According to European Climate Agency, year 2024 was the warmest year on record. The scorching heat not only embarrassed us, but caused extensive damage to standing crops, vegetables and fruits. Water levels in different perennial water bodies went down drastically, causing distress to farmers and commoners. Even drinking water issues assumed dangerous proportions during the sizzling summer of 2024.
Soaring temperatures didn’t spare our own valley of Kashmir. Known across the globe for its moderately temperate climate, the paradise on the earth witnessed acute torrid times during the year we are about to bid farewell to. It frizzled us with blazing and simmering heat. Global temperature is said have registered an increase of 1.23 degrees Celsius during the year 2024, and our part of the globe is no exception to it. But, the most harrowing thing associated with the changing dynamics of our weather patterns, is the acute rainfall deficit. Jammu and Kashmir has registered 72% rainfall deficit during October and November 2024. Our rivers and streams are about to dry-up. Drinking water issues have resurfaced from different areas. Hydro-power generation has been reduced very badly. People are reeling under cold and darkness. Prolonged dry spell has taken toll of our health. People are caught up in different respiratory disorders and ailments. There is no respite to common masses from the biting cold. Congregational supplications and prayers are held across the length and breadth of the valley for heavenly showers.
The dry spell will exhibit its bleak repercussions in coming months if the skies continue to remain dry and droughty. The protracted arid spell has jeopardized our agriculture and its allied sectors. The drearily deep dry days have perturbed and un-eased valleyites, because the consequences of the calamitous climatic phenomena are sure to hit us hard in the future. Scanty snowfall and inadequate rains will affect the livelihood of thousands of households. Though our upper reaches have received a few inches of snow, but it is not adequate and sufficient to mother our rivers and streams throughout the year. Our glacial wealth is receding at an alarming rate. Abundant snow ensures preservation of glacial treasures for our future generations.
And snow is not only a form of precipitation, but it is the hallmark of Kashmiriyat. Aesthetic appeal of the snow mesmerizes souls. Lakhs of tourists throng the valley to witness the stunning charm and glamour of the white flakes. Alpine heights of Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and other hill stations of the valley entice tourists to explore the white world. Though winter removes the kaleidoscope of colours from the Mother Nature, but the white monotony makes it more appealing and alluring than the rainbow-tinted colours of the summer. The snow is our cultural emblem, civilizational badge, and the symbol of our distinctive identity. If Kashmir valley is the paradise, the snow is its crown, then. It gives our waters antidotal and elixired effects. So, the snow is indispensable part of Kashmir valley. But, the skies have probably forgotten the art of down pouring.
The prolonged dry spell in our in our valley has sent shock-waves among agriculturists and other stakeholders. Environmentalists believe that a crisis of huge magnitude is looming large over the collective sustenance of the valley, because no snow is sure enough to exhaust our aqua resources. Snow clad mountains water most of our streams, rivers and springs throughout the year. But, our alpine peaks are bereft of any substantial white cover, which means reduced and diminished flow of water in our water bodies will give us ugly scars in the coming future. Our water bodies have already shown drastic decrease in their run off. People from different areas of the valley are complaining about drinking water scarcity. People are annoyed and unhappy with the paltry water supplies through taps and tankers, but the crisis shall take dangerous proportions if it won’t snow at all. A famine and a drought is on cards if the skies won’t open up for a pretty enough period of time, showering white gold upon the earth.
Our valley used to receive snow during the months of December and January. But, now, it snows too meager and late, giving goose bumps to conscious souls. The snow seems to have vanished into the thin air, someone has probably silenced it, and tragically, its resuscitation looks bleak. Unlike olden times, the catastrophic weather vagaries are man-made. People at the helm must work collaboratively with different NGOs to mitigate the rising climatic issues. Commoners must be educated through different media channels about the growing climatic challenges, and the remedial measures thereof. Even pulpits of mosques should be used to aware masses about their obligations and responsibilities towards environment. Climatic issues are deadlier than nuclear bombs, yet people pay no heed towards it. May the custodians of the heavens descend the bounties of rain, snow and mercy upon us!
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(Author is a Teacher and a Columnist. He can be reached at: [email protected])
