In a worrying trend, the Kashmir Valley is experiencing a significant decline in snowfall, attributed to a combination of factors, including the influence of El Niño and the broader effects of climate change.Weather experts point to the prevailing El Niño event in the eastern Pacific Ocean, characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures. This phenomenon is disrupting weather patterns worldwide, impacting the monsoon system in India and leading to reduced rainfall in certain regions.Specifically, the lack of snowfall in popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg is causing disappointment among both tourists and local residents. Tourism, a vital sector for the region, is taking a hit, and there are concerns about potential postponement of the Winter Games due to insufficient snow.The situation is not confined to the immediate impact on tourism and sports. The absence of snow in the mid- to lower-reaches of the Himalayas raises broader concerns about water resources. This issue could escalate into water scarcity problems in the region.Last year’s driest August in a century in North India and devastating landslides in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh were also attributed to the combined effects of El Niño and climate change.Local activist Mushtaq Pahalgami is urging concerned institutions to take proactive steps to address the situation and mitigate the potential long-term impacts on weather patterns and water resources. The call is for collective efforts to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for the Kashmir Valley, where climate change is becoming an increasingly critical issue affecting various aspects of life.
Climate Change and El Niño Impact Snowfall in Kashmir Valley
