An unrelenting heatwave has seized hold of Kashmir in recent months, placing immense pressure on both the health of its residents and the region's agricultural output. Zaina Begum, a farmer from Pulwama district, is witnessing the devastating impact of delayed rainfall on her paddy crop, which lies in jeopardy after weeks of scorching heat. This year, temperatures soared to 37.4C (99.32F), the highest April temperatures recorded in over 70 years, surpassing seasonal averages by 7C.
The ongoing heat crisis has caused a series of disruptions in the valley, including the temporary closure of schools and increased health risks for its inhabitants. While some regions received rain this week, experts caution that high temperatures will likely persist, leaving farmers in distress.
For many local farmers like Ms. Begum, who depend on consistent rainfall, erratic weather patterns over the past few years have made successful harvests increasingly rare. "This summer, it feels like our worst fears have come true," she lamented.
Over nearly two decades, Ali Mohammad transitioned from growing paddy to apples, seeking to adapt to changing water availability. Unfortunately, even his apple orchards are suffering from the lack of rain. A similar pattern infects the valley’s agricultural landscape, as farmers grapple with the consequences of rising temperatures and dwindling water supplies.
Health impacts are becoming alarming as well. New records for heat intensity threaten residents who are unaccustomed to such high temperatures. Parveez Ahmad, a 63-year-old man from northern Kashmir, experienced severe heat-related health issues, reflecting concerns about increasing mortality rates due to heat stress.
Environmental experts assert that climate change is significantly influencing Kashmir’s weather, leading to extreme conditions like prolonged heat waves and erratic rainfall patterns. Glaciologist Mohammad Farooq Azam reported that diminishing snowfall and accelerated glacial melting are endangering water availability essential for both agricultural and residential needs.
Although Kashmir's contribution to global greenhouse gas emissions is minor, the region faces insurmountable challenges amplified by climate change, leading to worsening conditions for residents reliant on agriculture and tourism. Urbanization exacerbates the situation, as fields give way to concrete buildings, diminishing natural climate regulation.
Critics argue that despite the urgent nature of these environmental issues, they receive little attention from policymakers. While officials claim to take climate change seriously, tangible actions remain lacking. Farmers like Ms. Begum urge for immediate intervention, fearing that without prompt action, their livelihoods and sustainability will remain in jeopardy.
