Sweltering Summers Threaten Livelihoods
In Indian-administered Kashmir, an unprecedented heat crisis is gripping the region, with low rainfall and soaring temperatures creating dire circumstances for residents. Farmers, who form the backbone of the local economy, are watching their crops wither under the unrelenting sun. Reports indicate that rainfall has dropped significantly, with some areas seeing deficits as high as 40%, leaving fields parched and canals dry.
The impact is particularly severe in districts like Pulwama, where farmers like Zaina Begum are struggling to save their paddy fields. 'I’ve been waiting for rain for weeks, but there’s nothing,' she lamented, highlighting the desperation felt by many in the agricultural community. The Jhelum River, a vital water source, has seen water levels plummet to alarming lows, with measurements at Sangam showing just 0.96 feet compared to a normal range of 12 to 18 feet.
Health Risks Rise with Temperatures
Beyond agriculture, the heatwave is taking a toll on public health across Kashmir. Hospitals are reporting an uptick in heat-related illnesses, as prolonged exposure to high temperatures exacerbates conditions for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and children. The lack of adequate water supply in many villages compounds these health risks, with residents forced to ration limited resources.
Local sentiment reflects growing concern over the changing climate. Posts on X reveal frustration among Kashmiris, with many noting that even running tap water feels 'boiling hot' and traditional cooling methods are failing. The absence of snowfall during key winter periods like Chillai Kalan has further disrupted water availability, intensifying the crisis during these hotter summers.
Climate Change Fuels a Deepening Crisis
Experts point to climate change as a primary driver of Kashmir’s escalating weather challenges. Shifts in snowfall patterns and rapid glacier melt are making farming increasingly unpredictable, with staple crops like maize, saffron, and apples suffering from temperature spikes. About 70% of the region’s population relies on agriculture, making these environmental changes a direct threat to economic stability.
The situation has sparked calls for policy interventions, with some locals and farmers advocating for a reevaluation of water-sharing agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty amid mounting climate stress. While solutions remain elusive, the immediate reality for many in Kashmir is a struggle to adapt to a hotter, drier future, with both health and harvests hanging in the balance.