The picturesque region grapples with historical temperature rises, affecting both crops and residents' health, prompting urgent calls for action.
**Kashmir Faces Unprecedented Heatwave Affecting Agriculture and Health**
**Kashmir Faces Unprecedented Heatwave Affecting Agriculture and Health**
Intensifying heat crisis finds farmers in despair as changing weather patterns threaten livelihoods in Kashmir.
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Kashmir is currently trapped in an unprecedented heatwave, putting immense pressure on farmers and public health. In the Pulwama district, Zaina Begum, a local farmer, stands next to her parched paddy field, devastated by a month of unrelenting heat with no rainfall. Although rain finally fell this week, it was already too late to salvage her crop, symbolizing the growing struggle faced by many in the region.
This month has brought record-breaking temperatures, with the region experiencing its hottest June in half a century. Daytime temperatures soared to a staggering 37.4 degrees Celsius (99.32 degrees Fahrenheit), significantly above the seasonal average, compelling local authorities to close schools and colleges for a fortnight. Experts warn that while recent rains may offer a brief respite, more extreme temperatures are swiftly approaching.
The evolving climate patterns are wreaking havoc on the livelihood of the populace, with locals primarily reliant on agriculture. Many farms are in disarray, leading to considerable financial losses. For Begum, her family's history of cultivating rice is marred by consecutive years of failed harvests; she states, "This summer, it feels like our worst fears have come true."
As per a recent study, the region has recorded a 2 degrees Celsius increase in maximum temperatures from 1980 to 2020, correlating with an uptick in heatwaves. Since the start of the season, Kashmir has faced three heatwaves, severely impacting local rivers and streams, raising alarms among environmentalists and residents alike.
In neighboring Bandipore district, the effects are equally dire, with apple orchards, once thriving, now withered under the scorching sun. Ali Mohammad, who transitioned from growing rice to apples two decades ago, now finds himself grappling with inadequate water supply crucial for apple cultivation. “For the last two months there was no rain," he lamented. "The irrigation canals dried up.”
Residents also suffer as they encounter a heat unlike any they have previously known. Parveez Ahmad, a local 63-year-old, experienced a health crisis linked directly to the heat, stating, "I have never witnessed such an intense heatwave in my life." Medical experts confirm that the extreme conditions are contributing to rising health issues across the population.
Environmental scientists assert that climate change significantly influences Kashmir's weather, catalyzing intense weather events and prolonged dry spells. The region's traditionally snowy mountains have not seen significant snowfall in recent years, disrupting the expected seasonal patterns.
Mohammad Farooq Azam, a hydrologist, highlights that the long-term ramifications of these trends could jeopardize water security, agriculture, and biodiversity. "These trends are not just seasonal anomalies - they represent a systemic shift," he emphasizes.
Rapid urbanization, combined with increasing energy demands, has exacerbated the situation. Kashmir has lost a notable percentage of its forest cover, contributing to worsening climate stability. As more residents invest in air conditioning due to rising temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions are increasing, creating a feedback loop.
Amid this climate crisis, the political response remains a point of contention. While the regional government claims to take climate issues seriously, many locals, including farmers like Begum, insist that swift action is essential for survival: "Otherwise, we will be doomed."
Kashmir is currently trapped in an unprecedented heatwave, putting immense pressure on farmers and public health. In the Pulwama district, Zaina Begum, a local farmer, stands next to her parched paddy field, devastated by a month of unrelenting heat with no rainfall. Although rain finally fell this week, it was already too late to salvage her crop, symbolizing the growing struggle faced by many in the region.
This month has brought record-breaking temperatures, with the region experiencing its hottest June in half a century. Daytime temperatures soared to a staggering 37.4 degrees Celsius (99.32 degrees Fahrenheit), significantly above the seasonal average, compelling local authorities to close schools and colleges for a fortnight. Experts warn that while recent rains may offer a brief respite, more extreme temperatures are swiftly approaching.
The evolving climate patterns are wreaking havoc on the livelihood of the populace, with locals primarily reliant on agriculture. Many farms are in disarray, leading to considerable financial losses. For Begum, her family's history of cultivating rice is marred by consecutive years of failed harvests; she states, "This summer, it feels like our worst fears have come true."
As per a recent study, the region has recorded a 2 degrees Celsius increase in maximum temperatures from 1980 to 2020, correlating with an uptick in heatwaves. Since the start of the season, Kashmir has faced three heatwaves, severely impacting local rivers and streams, raising alarms among environmentalists and residents alike.
In neighboring Bandipore district, the effects are equally dire, with apple orchards, once thriving, now withered under the scorching sun. Ali Mohammad, who transitioned from growing rice to apples two decades ago, now finds himself grappling with inadequate water supply crucial for apple cultivation. “For the last two months there was no rain," he lamented. "The irrigation canals dried up.”
Residents also suffer as they encounter a heat unlike any they have previously known. Parveez Ahmad, a local 63-year-old, experienced a health crisis linked directly to the heat, stating, "I have never witnessed such an intense heatwave in my life." Medical experts confirm that the extreme conditions are contributing to rising health issues across the population.
Environmental scientists assert that climate change significantly influences Kashmir's weather, catalyzing intense weather events and prolonged dry spells. The region's traditionally snowy mountains have not seen significant snowfall in recent years, disrupting the expected seasonal patterns.
Mohammad Farooq Azam, a hydrologist, highlights that the long-term ramifications of these trends could jeopardize water security, agriculture, and biodiversity. "These trends are not just seasonal anomalies - they represent a systemic shift," he emphasizes.
Rapid urbanization, combined with increasing energy demands, has exacerbated the situation. Kashmir has lost a notable percentage of its forest cover, contributing to worsening climate stability. As more residents invest in air conditioning due to rising temperatures, greenhouse gas emissions are increasing, creating a feedback loop.
Amid this climate crisis, the political response remains a point of contention. While the regional government claims to take climate issues seriously, many locals, including farmers like Begum, insist that swift action is essential for survival: "Otherwise, we will be doomed."
