Kashmir Heading Towards Ecological Catastrophe!

Muqeet Mubashir

Srinagar, Jan 07: The pristine beauty of Kashmir, often described as “Paradise on Earth,” is facing an unprecedented ecological challenge. While tourism continues to thrive on the Valley’s snow-clad mountains and scenic landscapes, activities that exploit these fragile natural resources are accelerating climate disruption, threatening Kashmir’s delicate ecological balance and long-term sustainability.

High-altitude regions such as Sonamarg, Pahalgam and Afarwat (Gulmarg) have traditionally acted as Kashmir’s natural lifeline, sustaining the Valley through harsh winters and scorching summers. The Himalayan glaciers like Thajwas, Harmukh and Kolhai play a crucial role in regulating water availability, supporting domestic requirements, agriculture and maintaining ecosystem stability.

However, the current winter has raised serious alarming bells. According to data released by the Meteorological Centre, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir recorded a 39 percent precipitation deficit during the period from October 1 to December 31, 2025, with Anantnag, Budgam, Bandipora, Baramulla and Srinagar receiving only 72.2 mm, 32 mm, 75.1 mm, 56.2 mm and 53.8 mm precipitation against a normal of 116.6 mm, 78.9 mm, 105.7 mm, 132.2 mm and 109.1 mm respectively. Several districts, including Srinagar, Baramulla, Budgam and Shopian, have experienced large scale precipitation deficit. Adding to the concern, snowfall depth recorded so far is far below that of previous years. As per data available with the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Gulmarg has recorded just 4.0 cm of snowfall, while Pahalgam has recorded a mere 0.2 cm. Other locations including Srinagar, Qazigund, Kokernag, Konibal and Kupwara have recorded 0 cm snowfall as on January 5, 2026.

Compounding concerns, the Meteorological Department has also predicted dry weather conditions for the next week, further deepening fears of prolonged dryness.

Speaking to Kashmir Convener, a top official from the Meteorological Centre Srinagar, cautioned that the situation could turn extremely challenging in the coming months if the prevailing conditions persist.

“Snowfall, once reliable and widespread by this time of year, has remained delayed and scant, reinforcing evidence of shifting climate patterns in the region. If this dry spell continues, the months of June and July onwards are going to be very tough for us,” the official said.

He warned that sectors heavily dependent on water, particularly agriculture, would face severe stress. “At a time when snowfall is already far below normal, allowing traditional and adventure tourism and related activities only adds to carbon footprints.

This accelerates snowmelt, increases glacier retreat at significant proportions and directly feeds into the larger phenomenon of global warming,” he explained.

The official added that early and rapid melting of glaciers would further reduce water availability during peak summer months, aggravating both ecological and livelihood challenges across the Valley.

Despite these clear warnings, authorities appear to be turning a blind eye. Tourism-related activities continue unabated even as the snow is still struggling to accumulate, while the Valley grapples with a growing precipitation deficit. Such short-sighted decisions risk intensifying water scarcity and undermining the region’s ability to cope with the upcoming summer.

While observing the ‘United Nations Eco-Restoration Decade’, the Eco-tourism activities need to be carried out within a specific time of maturity and to ensure the conservation and management of the natural resources and to yield positive results both economic and ecological.

“We are witnessing a blatant disregard for the fragility of our environment,” says Advocate Nadeem Qadri, a leading environmental lawyer and activist. “The glaciers are receding at an alarming rate and the delayed and reduced snowfall is a clear indication of the impact of climate change. Allowing activities that further stress these vulnerable ecosystems is nothing short of environmental recklessness.”

He further pointed out that the lack of environmental expertise at the local administrative level is significantly complicating the issue. “In the absence of scientifically informed assessments by the tourism department or other concerned agencies, trekking and tourism-related activities are being allowed in higher reaches and glacier-adjacent areas without adequate safeguards,” he said.

“As a result, even high-altitude lakes are being vandalised due to non-sustainable conduct by several trekking groups. Some operators, including certain banned trekking organisations like India Hikes, which have already faced restrictions in multiple states, continue to set a poor precedent, while many others follow similar unsustainable practices.”

Advocate Qadri also warned that adventure tourism itself is landing in serious trouble due to irresponsible human behaviour. “Several trekking routes, including the Gangbal axis, have become increasingly obnoxious because of unchecked waste dumping and reckless movement. Through the Hon’ble High Court of J&K and Ladakh, we are already monitoring activities in such sensitive zones,” he added.

“There are some local trekking groups that act responsibly by collecting waste and making conscious efforts to keep the surroundings clean. I must also commend many foreign trekkers who demonstrate remarkable environmental ethics, even carrying back small plastic waste like chewing gum wrappers. Such practices show that sustainable tourism is possible, but only when responsibility is taken seriously,” he reiterated.

Environment Activist N A Shah echoes similar concerns, stating, “The absence of stringent guidelines, environmental impact assessments and public consultations is deeply troubling.”

The lack of clear public advisories or regulatory circulars governing activities in ecologically sensitive high-altitude zones further raises questions about transparency and accountability.

Reduced snowfall will inevitably decrease water availability, thus impacting agriculture, domestic supply and ecosystem health, while accelerating glacier melt and increasing the risk of extreme weather events.

While talking to Kashmir Convener, T M Husain, Nature Conservation Activist, said, “The authorities must act decisively to protect Kashmir’s natural heritage as we are celebrating the Eco-Restoration Decade under the United Nations Environment Programme.

“The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration aims to restore degraded ecosystems globally, addressing climate change, biodiversity loss and food security while promoting sustainable development.”

“The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration runs from 2021 to 2030 and serves as a global rallying call to protect and revive ecosystems worldwide. This initiative is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and combating climate change, as it emphasizes the restoration of ecosystems to enhance livelihoods and biodiversity,” T M Husain explained.

He further stated that, “The authorities must develop strategies to adapt to the changing climate, including water conservation measures and alternative energy sources, to regulate the tourist influx and educate public about the importance of environmental protection, the impacts of climate change and shun the practice of short term economic benefits jeopardising the long term ecological implications”.

Experts warn that the time for complacency has passed. Authorities must choose long-term ecological preservation over short-term economic benefits. With Kashmir’s future hanging in the balance, decisive action is needed now, before the cherished paradise becomes a casualty of neglect.