“Since a dry winter for the third consecutive year has broken the trends of natural process of water conservation, the deficiency of rainfall in summer can more severely hit agriculture and horticulture sectors across Kashmir.”
Another dry winter has created chaos and confusion over Kashmir in view of it far reaching consequences on local economy heavily dependent on agriculture, horticulture and tourism sectors. An unprecedented fall in the frequency and intensity of snowfalls witnessed in February after an almost dry mid winter period of “Chilla-i-Kalan” this year has ultimately now forced postponement of “Khelo India” Winter Games which obviously is a severe blow to winter tourism in the last fortnight of winter this year in Kashmir valley. For all practical purposes a more hot and humid summer after a dry winter won’t also further the prospects of a good summer tourist season this year. The continuing dry spells are deepening the concerns of the people about the stress of water scarcity on agriculture, horticulture, and basic facilities not only in Kashmir Valley but also in several parts of Jammu division also. Experience of decades have shown that snow used to accumulate on the higher reaches during peak winter periods and water used to flow freely to plains during peak summer periods. Since a dry winter for the third consecutive year has broken the trends of natural process of water conservation, the deficiency of rainfall in summer can more severely hit agriculture and horticulture sectors across Kashmir. While weather experts are hopeful that there could be some wet spell by the end of this month, the situation remains grim at the moment as it has been almost a dry winter so far until mid-February. What matters the most is the fact that agriculture experts still believe that the crop production is likely to be affected more intensely than ever before even if the precipitation is going to be good in the coming days since it’s already very late.
“Groundwork if not immediately started for preparing a blue print for quick responses to the emerging challenges in agriculture, horticulture and tourism related activities besides water availability could most likely trigger a major crisis of livelihoods and basic human needs across Jammu & Kashmir. Wisdom demands that process of responses starts much before the current dry spell pushes people into a crisis like situation.”
Apart from the threats to local economies in agriculture, horticulture and tourism sectors the continuity in the current dry spell could also throw up a more huge challenge to the Jal Shakti Department in maintaining the continuity in delivery of drinking water services not only to the local populations but also to the hospitals, educational institutions and private commercial establishments particularly hotels and restaurants across Jammu & Kashmir. Groundwork if not immediately started for preparing a blue print for quick responses to the emerging challenges in agriculture, horticulture and tourism related activities besides water availability could most likely trigger a major crisis of livelihoods and basic human needs across Jammu & Kashmir. Wisdom demands that process of responses starts much before the current dry spell pushes people into a crisis like situation.
