Manifestos minus environment

Assembly election manifestos of all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir cover almost the entire gamut of political, development and welfare issues in the region. But if there is an issue that is conspicuously absent or hasn't been flagged prominently, it is that of climate change.

More so, at a time when Kashmir has been grappling with a host of climate crises, which pose a grave threat to its economy, especially agriculture. Over the past few decades, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed gradual melting of around 15,000 glaciers which between them feed Indus, Jhelum, Chenab and their multiple tributaries.

Millions of people depend on these rivers and their tributaries, especially the Indus River, the 3000 km-long river system which feeds India, China, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal.  The possibility of reduced discharge in these rivers became more evident this year as Kashmir experienced no snowfall during the first three months of winter, starting in November.

This included Chilla Kalan, the harshest 40-day period of the season which starts on December 21.  The result was  about 80% rain deficit during December last.  Less snow in winter doesn't adequately compensate the glacier depletion of the previous year, reducing  the flow in water bodies, which, in turn, impacts the agriculture.

Recurrent heatwaves have further exacerbated the situation. It shows that the creeping climate change over the world is also disrupting the pattern of seasons in Kashmir. Now almost every winter, Kashmir sees the early bloom of narcissus and tulips, an indication that the Valley's legendary cold season has become erratic and shortened in duration.

It is nobody's case that a global phenomenon such as climate change can be addressed through local government policies, and administrative measures. It can't be. But there are distinct local factors that aggravate the crisis and hence need addressing at the local level only. And this is where a regional government can play an effective role.

So, a manifesto with a clearly defined climate change policy is a must for any political party. This is even more so for the political parties of as green a place as Kashmir, currently reeling under a multifaceted climate crisis. We are still at the early stage of the election campaign and it is important that the parties make necessary amends. That said, climate change shouldn't only remain confined to manifestos,  it should also be raised in election campaign.