Kashmir, long known for its snow-covered landscapes and winter tourism, is witnessing a steady decline in snowfall, causing serious concern among environmental experts. This winter too, the region has recorded unusually low snowfall, prompting warnings that climate change is beginning to significantly alter the Valley’s natural patterns. Experts caution that unless immediate measures are taken to address environmental degradation, the region could face long-term ecological and economic consequences.
According to available data, snowfall in the Kashmir Valley during the current winter season has been far below the normal average. The impact is visible across the region, with snow largely absent in plains and low-lying areas. This has diminished the Valley’s scenic appeal and adversely affected key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and the local economy. Farmers, traders, and tourism-related workers have expressed growing concern over the changing weather patterns.
Environmental experts point out that snowfall plays a critical role in sustaining Kashmir’s water resources. Snow accumulated during winter gradually melts in summer, feeding rivers such as the Jhelum and ensuring a steady supply of water for drinking and irrigation. Reduced snowfall has raised fears of water scarcity, which could directly impact agriculture, including apple cultivation — a major contributor to the region’s economy. Experts warn that increased reliance on groundwater may lead to long-term depletion of water resources.
Scientists have also flagged rising temperatures in the Himalayan region, noting that the mountains are warming faster than the plains and at a rate higher than the global average. Despite winter temperatures still dipping below zero degrees Celsius, snowfall this season has been confined mainly to higher-altitude areas such as Sonamarg, the Pir Panjal range, and Gulmarg. Environmentalist Anil Joshi has attributed this trend to global warming, describing it as a dangerous signal for the region’s fragile ecosystem.
The decline in snowfall has also hit winter tourism hard. Typically, the winter season attracts a large number of tourists to Kashmir, particularly for activities such as skiing. However, tourist arrivals have dropped sharply this year, with even popular skiing destinations reporting little to no snow. Tourist guides, hoteliers, and local businesses fear that prolonged changes in weather patterns could severely impact livelihoods dependent on tourism in the Valley.