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Context:

The Kashmir Valley witnessed its highest day temperature in over seven decades.

Details:

Kashmir, historically known for its temperate climate and snow-capped peaks, is witnessing an unprecedented environmental event — a severe heatwave, with temperatures reaching 37°C in Srinagar, the highest in over two decades. This anomaly is not isolated but forms part of a broader pattern of global warming, regional climatic shifts, and disrupted weather systems.

Causes of the Heatwave in Kashmir:

Impact on Kashmir’s Ecosystem and Society:

1. a) Agricultural Stress:

• Kashmir’s agrarian economy, especially dependent on apple orchards, saffron, and rice, is vulnerable to rising temperatures.
• Heat stress affects flowering, fruit quality, and crop yields, thereby impacting livelihoods.

1. b) Glacial Retreat and Water Security:

• High temperatures accelerate glacial melting in the Himalayas.
• While this may temporarily increase river flows, it threatens long-term water availability and increases the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs).

1. c) Health Risks: Populations unaccustomed to extreme heat, especially in mountainous regions like Kashmir, are at higher risk of heat strokes, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses.
2. d) Ecosystem Disruption:

• The delicate alpine ecosystem, including flora and fauna adapted to cool climates, is under threat.
• There are reports of forest fires due to prolonged dry spells, further damaging biodiversity.

Broader Climate Change Implications:

Policy and Preparedness Measures:

a) Early Warning and Public Health:

• Strengthening local meteorological services and early warning systems is vital.
• Public health advisories and cooling shelters need to be integrated into urban and rural planning.

b) Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Promoting climate-resilient crop varieties and water-efficient irrigation can cushion agrarian communities against temperature shocks.

c) Forest and Water Management: Protecting green cover and enhancing water retention in soil through watershed management will help mitigate the heat's impact.

d) Climate Mainstreaming in Planning: Urban expansion and infrastructure development in Kashmir must account for climate vulnerability assessments to ensure long-term sustainability.

Conclusion:

Kashmir’s record-breaking heatwave is a stark reminder that even the most climate-stable regions are no longer immune to the global climate crisis. While the immediate causes lie in weakened western disturbances and rainfall deficits, the overarching trigger remains anthropogenic climate change. India must integrate scientific, policy, and community-based approaches to climate adaptation, especially in regions like Kashmir that are both ecologically sensitive and strategically significant.

Source: Indian Express