By Dr. Mushtaq Rather

The carrying capacity of rural ecosystems, in terms of accommodating solid waste, is receding with each passing day due to the accumulation of huge piles of waste and the inefficient, non-scientific mechanisms for disposal. In a fragile ecosystem like Kashmir, even small-scale anthropogenic interference can have serious environmental ramifications, and in fact, it has already started casting shadows, as is evident from the current trend in the weather. A record 79% deficient rainfall in the peak winter months this year has sent alarm bells ringing for everyone. Due to climate change, we are witnessing extreme weather phenomena in this part of the world. Spring is almost a month ahead of schedule. The tragic tale is the drying up of prominent water bodies in the month of February. Imagine the catastrophic consequences of water scarcity in the upcoming summer months. The recent incident of the drying up of the perennial spring at Mughal Gardens, Achabal, Anantnag is trending on social media, and the octogenarian people of the area were moved to tears when they saw the pathetic condition of the spring. They recalled their........

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