Snowfall rekindles hope of green spring!
The heavy snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir largely ends the prolonged dry spell and rainfall deficit.
Snowfall is not just a natural phenomenon; it means life to a place like J&K that is largely dependent on melt off from glaciers. Due to climate change and rising pollution levels, J&K in the last several years has been facing dry spells in the peak winter period. This has caused a massive water crisis and hit our hydropower generation besides affecting agriculture, horticulture and tourism sectors.
Amid prolonged dry spell, people in Kashmir turned to ancient traditions and prayers to seek snowfall and rains. At various places across the valley, people prepared and distributed Sasras, a traditional meal cooked in large vessels, usually of rice and other staples, cooked over fire wood on the road. Sasras was distributed among the needy, children, and residents alike— reflecting an age-old custom anchored in faith and collective spirit during times of environmental hardships. Besides, people also offered special congregational prayers known as Salat-ul-Istisqa at various shrines and masjids to seek an end to dry spell. And finally prayers were answered with heavy snow spells especially in north, south and central Kashmir areas. However, Srinagar city was devoid of snowfall. The snowfall led to closure of Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and Mughal Road connecting Kashmir Valley.
J&K witnessed rainfall deficit of 85 percent from November 1, 2025 to January 21, receiving only 20.6 mm of rainfall against a normal of 139 mm. However, the snow spell from January 23 to 25 reduced the rainfall deficit. From January I to 22, there was a precipitation deficit of 97% and heavy snowfall and rains brought the deficit down to about 13%.
Experts believe that more snow spells in February will cover rainfall deficit. Independent weather forecaster Faizan Arif says so far the region has recorded 58.1 mm of rainfall against a normal of 67.0 mm. However, he maintains this is not sufficient, as large deficits have persisted since November witnessing substantial shortfalls. To fully recover, J&K will require more such active spells in the coming period, including during February. It is noteworthy that snowfall between the 40-day period December 21 and January 29 is considered important to regulating glacier health, stream flows which are imperative for maintaining ecological balance. The recent Western Disturbance was stronger than unusually high wind velocities causing extensive damage to rooftops and power lines across Kashmir. The independent weather forecaster said the wind extended through a deep vertical column from around 850 hPa (~1.5 km) up to 300 hPa (~9 km). Strong winds accompanied by snowfall are unusual in winter. Such vertical alignment of winds meant that momentum was not confined to upper levels but was available to mix downward once the atmosphere became disturbed.
The erratic weather patterns in J&K point towards serious impacts of climate change. We have been witnessing usually dry winters and fluctuating snowfall frequency in the past several years. What’s more concerning is that less snowfall is causing rapid melting of Kashmir’s glaciers which are the main source of water for water bodies.
J&K Himalayas hosts some of the largest glaciers in the Hindu Kush region. Studies indicate that Kolahoi, the largest glacier of Kashmir valley’s Jhelum Basin, is retreating rapidly due to spurt rise in temperature triggered by global warming and extreme pollution. Thajiwas, Hoksar, Nehnar, Shishram, and glaciers around Harmukh are also retreating slowly.
Amid dry spells, experts have warned that there is a high risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) in five glacial lakes in the Kashmir Himalaya. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods can be disastrous for downstream populations due to the sudden release of water from a lake dammed by loose moraine material. Five glacial lakes in the Kashmir Himalaya pose a very high risk of sudden, catastrophic GLOFs,” warns a latest ground-breaking research, published in the prestigious Journal of Glaciology, jointly done by the International Glaciological Society and Cambridge. The study led by researchers from the University of Kashmir has warned.
Lakes like Bramsar and Chirsar are ticking time bombs as these are glued to retreating glaciers and growing rapidly. There is accelerating buildup of water in fragile glacial lakes high above human habitations. The hydrologically-linked Nundkol and Gangabal lakes from the Ganderbal district alone threaten more than 1000 buildings, four bridges, and a hydropower plant. Bramsar and Chirsar lakes together endanger at least more than 400 buildings and five bridges in the south Kashmir districts of Shopian and Kulgam. Bhagsar Lake puts more than 1100 structures, and six bridges, at risk in Shopian district.
Besides glacier recession, the prevailing warming scenario over the Himalaya makes communities and infrastructure more vulnerable to cryosphere-related hazards that were previously not experienced in the past.
We need to understand that J&K ranks third among the Himalayan areas which are vulnerable to climate change. We have been paying a heavy price for destroying our forests, water bodies and wetlands but damage to the environment is irreparable. We must work on mitigating climate change by going for sustainable development, reducing greenhouse gases. Government and people must wake up before it’s too late!
Author is Executive Editor,
Greater Kashmir
