In Pictures: Jhelum shrinks as Kashmir grapples with dry winter

What would otherwise be a period when Kashmir would be blanketed by snow, and the region's winter tourism would sustain its economy as local businesses and services operated for a minimum number of hours at a slow pace, has turned into a period of dryness, hopelessness, and fear in Kashmir for now. Hoteliers and travel agents say the majority of their bookings are getting canceled. Out of the forty days of hard winter locally called Chillai Kalan, 27 have already passed without snow, compelling experts, environmentalists, and officials to ring alarm bells.

08:45 AM Jan 17, 2024 IST | Mubashir Khan

A houseboat rests on a dry patch as water level has receded in the Jhelum river due to unprecedented dry spell in Jammu and Kashmir. Photo: Mubashir Khan for Greater Kashmir

Unusual dry spell amid harsh period of winters is making the people and the government fearful in Kashmir as apprehensions of water-scarce summer looms heavily on the region. (Photo: Mubashir Khan/ GK)

With places known for winter tourism including Gulmarg and Sonamarg being dry and deserted, the ongoing climate crisis is crushing the region's already frail economy. (Mubashir Khan/ GK)

The Chief Engineer for Kashmir's Jal Shakti Department or Water and Sanitation Department Sanjeev Malhotra has warned of alarming situation if the dry spell continues. (Photo: Mubashir Khan/ GK)

The impact of global climate change being witnessed in Kashmir has a potential to seriously harm the region's economy and the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan belt. (Photo: Mubashir Khan/ GK)