The impacts of climate change are becoming evident in Kashmir, where the entire region is witnessing a snowless winter.
Environmentalists attribute these variations to climate change, saying that the region experienced a 79% decline in rainfall in December and 100% in January.
The lack of snowfall has an impact on farming and water supply, as it hampers the replenishment of groundwater reserves.
A study carried out in the Indian-occupied Kashmir suggests that the entire region, including Azad Jammu & Kashmir, could witness a temperature rise of 3.98-6.93°C. Currently, the valley is facing warmer weather with most stations in Kashmir recording a 6-8°C (43-48°F) increase in temperature this winter.
Additionally, experts warn that the absence of snowfall will affect the generation of hydroelectricity and fish farming, as the region typically receives heavy snowfall during the peak winter season—40 days from December 21 to January 29.
Reports claim tourism in the Indian Occupied Kashmir was affected after the region received less snowfall. However, a rise in the violence after India scrapped the autonomous status of Kashmir has also contributed to the drop in the number of tourists.
Rains to hit parts of country from tomorrow as monsoon withdraws
People in AJK and Indian-occupied Kashmir are praying for a miracle this winter but there was no forecast of a heavy snowfall until January 24.
