Climate Change Issue in Jammu and Kashmir :

India is the fifth most vulnerable of 181 countries to the effects of climate change, with its poorest being the most at risk, according to a report   Global Climate Risk Index 2020 prepared by Bonn-based think-tank Germanwatch on December 4, 2019. Jammu and Kashmir is the 2nd most vulnerable territory after Assam in India to the effect of climate change. The agrarian economy and eco-sensitive environment make it more vulnerable to slight climate change.

1. Long and Harsh Season :

This winter is very harsh and ruthless, the extratropical storms originating in the Mediterranean region causing sudden winter rain to the northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent, and snow in the far north regions including our valley. Top scientists fear that due to climate change, such harsh and unexpected weather conditions will continue to trouble people. The climate change affecting the intensity and frequency of Western Disturbances can bring mercury down in the northern region in years to come, while central and southern Indian regions could be warmer.

2. Temperature Increase :

The temperature across the Jammu region of Jammu and Kashmir state shows an increasing trend and it increases at a rate of 0.3 to 0.6 oC per decade. A similar trend was reported in 2010 for the Kashmir region where temperature increases 0.4 to 0.5 0C per decade. Other Climate Scientists in 2007, based upon three stations (Srinagar, Leh, and Shimla), reported a significant rise in air temperature by 1.6 0 C during the last century in the northwest Himalayan region with winter increase at a faster rate. A report prepared for the then state’s department of ecology, environment and remote sensing in 2013 claimed average temperatures in the Kashmir valley had risen 1.45 degrees Celsius over two decades. 

3. Environmental Change :

Human encroachment and tourism activity have reduced the city’s iconic Dal Lake to a sixth of its original size – from around 75 sq. km to 12 sq. km. Similarly, Wular Lake has shrunk from 159.74 sq. km to 86.71 sq. km from 1911 to 2018. From 1911 to 2004, Srinagar lost more than 50% of its water bodies because of unplanned urbanization.The last couple of years had seemed a marginal growth of forest cover, the forest cover of J and K is 19.95% of the total geographical area. Due to political instability militarisation, smuggling these numbers are going to reduce when already it is about a 14% deficit in stable forest cover.

J& k is adding 1.45 million tons of Green House Gases annually to the atmosphere as its dwindling forests are able to absorb only 10.21 million tons of such gases out of the total emissions of 11.66 million tons, a government report on CO2 emissions has revealed.

The “Report on Emission Inventory of CO2 in Jammu and Kashmir – A Sectorial Analysis has presented an alarming picture of deterioration of the environment, unplanned development and steady decrease of forest cover. The report has put Jammu and Kashmir among the polluting states despite the absence of major industries and higher living standards.The recent political development where the restrictions over immovable property were lifted .The central govt is optimistic about the industrial growth in the area. J and K  having limited resources, the influx of subjects and unchecked industrial growth may pose a serious threat to the ecosystem

How to tackle it :

Environmental issues have never been in the limelight. It is a part of the perception that all issues are aftereffects of the political turmoil prevailing in the valley. General population need to rethink and raise the consciousness. Religious leaders are the key players to relegate the pollution and healthy environment. The government must put emphasis on popularizing the policies and laws relating to the environment. The media needs to give some space for these issues and ask the government questions about environmental development, sustainability and preservation. Together need to preserve the pride, the scenic environment and soothing climate.