Why Kashmir is witnessing no snow in winter? Know the reasons and consequences

Kashmir Weather:  The ‘white paradise’ of India has been grappling with a no-snowfall winter this season. The regions of Kashmir and Ladakh are experiencing unusual winters with no snow this year triggering curiosity about the potential reasons and consequences of the change in seasonal pattern. 

The absence of snow has also impacted tourism and agriculture in the state with Gulmarg witnessing a drastic drop in tourists because of no snowfall, affecting the revenues of ski resorts and local businesses, and the winter crop produce in the region has also been scarce. 

Reasons for no snowfall in Kashmir 

The decline in snowfall is attributed to the decline in western disturbance events primarily. The following reason is the rise in temperature adhering to climate change and the concluding reason is the ongoing El Nino event in the Pacific Ocean. 

Consequences of no snowfall 

The decline in snowfall will have implications for the generation of hydroelectricity, with the melting of glaciers and reduced water levels in the state affecting the water supply. 

On the other hand, the short-term effects would be more rampant including forest fires, agricultural drought, and horticulture scarcity. 

The gradual decline of snow in Kashmir is an indicator of the rising climate change with profound ramifications.