For many years, climate change was considered a future problem, but in Kashmir Valley it is now clearly visible, in everyday life. The Valley is experiencing warmer winters, rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, frequent cloudbursts and hailstorms, and longer dry spells. Since the 1980s, the average temperature in Kashmir has increased by about 0.8°C, with a faster rise after 2000. These changes have weakened winter weather systems and are turning snowfall into rainfall, especially at mid-altitudes. At the same time, rapid land use and land cover changes are taking place due to population growth, urban expansion, tourism, and infrastructure development. Farmlands, wetlands, forests, and open areas are being converted into buildings, roads, and commercial spaces, particularly around cities and other towns. Wetlands have been encroached upon, reducing their ability to store water, control floods, and support ecosystems. Forest loss due to deforestation, road construction, hydropower projects, and mining has increased soil erosion, reduced groundwater recharge, and degraded river resource water quality.

Nonetheless, black carbon pollution has also become a serious concern. Emissions from vehicles, old transport systems, biomass burning, brick kilns, and winter heating release fine soot particles floats in atmosphere and at faraway areas, settle on snow and glaciers. This darkens their surface, speeds up melting, and worsens air quality, which is reflected in declining air quality levels across the Valley as witnessed during this winter season frequently. Rapid growth in population and traffic has further increased environmental pressure. More vehicles mean higher fuel use, air and noise pollution, especially in cities and tourist areas. Seasonal tourism adds extra stress on water resources, waste management, and fragile mountain ecosystems.

Together, land use changes, black carbon emissions, and growing human pressure are intensifying the impacts of climate change in Kashmir. These factors are declining snowfall, accelerating snow and glacier melt and weakening natural water systems, increasing the risk of floods, droughts, and long-term water insecurity in the region.

Declining Snow and Glaciers

Kashmir has always relied on winter snowfall, which fed rivers, groundwater, soils, wetlands,........

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