In Kashmir, snow is more than just weather—it’s a part of life. For years, December and January meant a quiet, white wonderland. Snow brought life, feeding rivers and nurturing orchards. It was nature’s way of restoring harmony.
But that reliable pattern is fading.
Winters are drier now. December days feel too bright, almost like spring. This isn’t just a weather quirk—it’s a significant climate shift that Kashmir can’t ignore.
Climate change isn’t distant anymore; it’s here. We see it in less snow, unpredictable rainfall, and warmer winters. These changes directly impact homes, fields, and forests. Ironically, those who contributed the least to climate change are suffering the most.
Horticulture is Kashmir’s backbone. It supports countless families, relying on cold winters and consistent moisture from snow. When snowfall decreases, so do harvests. Farmers are already facing smaller crops and rising costs—climate change is no longer just a theory; it’s their daily reality.
Even drinking water sources are drying up. Snow used to be Kashmir’s water reserve, and without it, we may face water shortages that threaten health and add stress in rural areas.
Hydroelectric power, crucial for the region, is also at risk due to changing water flows. Forests and wildlife habitats are under strain too. Climate change is eroding Kashmir’s ecological balance.
Beyond practical concerns, there’s a cultural loss. Snow is tied to Kashmir’s identity. Without it, we lose not just ecosystems but also our heritage.
Addressing this crisis requires a united effort. Policymakers must see climate change as an urgent issue. Investing in water conservation, sustainable agriculture, and protecting wetlands is no longer a choice; it’s necessary.
Experts should connect research with real-world solutions to help farmers and communities adapt. Awareness needs to climb up the agenda through religious leaders, media, and civil society—protecting nature is a shared responsibility.
Communities should revive age-old conservation methods. By protecting local water sources and promoting responsible land use, we can reclaim our environment.
The most crucial players are our children. Teaching them the value of water, trees, and nature is essential. Simple habits like saving water and planting trees can cultivate a generation dedicated to preserving the environment.
When kids understand climate change as a responsibility, they become change-makers.
Kashmir has weathered challenges with resilience. Climate change is the biggest one yet, and our response matters for future generations.
The warming winters urge us to reflect and act. Indifference will have steep costs, but united action offers hope.
Let this be our call to awaken because when the snow stops falling in Kashmir, it’s not just nature changing—it’s a signal for us to change as well.
— Muhammed Ayub Rather
Author works in J&K Police.
For further reading on the effects of climate change, you may find this [research study](https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/) useful.
