The absence of snow has caused a significant drop in the number of tourists visiting Kashmir and has greatly affected the business of ski resorts in Gulmarg. Last year, around 95,989 tourists, including 547 foreigners, visited Gulmarg in January. However, officials estimate that the number of visitors this month is at least 60% lower, though the exact data for the first half of this month is not available yet.
Snowfall in Kashmir is not just something for tourists to enjoy. It’s really important for the local weather, winter crops, and gardens. It helps keep streams and rivers filled with water and plays a big role in the local economy.
Even though the absence of snow is most noticeable in Gulmarg, which is a popular tourist spot this time of year, the entire regions of Jammu and Kashmir, as well as Ladakh, have experienced very little rainfall or snowfall this winter.
Jammu and Kashmir saw 80 per cent rainfall deficit in December, and 100 percent (absolutely no rain) deficit in January so far, India Meteorological Department (IMD) data show.
The lower amount of snowfall in the area is likely to cause problems both in the short term and the long term. In the long term, there may be less hydroelectricity generated, glaciers would melt faster, and it may affect the drinking water supply negatively because limited snowfall results in less recharge of groundwater. As per the people, if the weather remains dry, it could result in job losses in various professions, especially those relying on snow sports and other activities in the snow.
According to experts, in the short term, a lack of snowfall can lead to increased forest fires, agricultural drought, and a decrease in crop production. It may also bring about an early spring, causing early flowering and potentially reducing crop yields.
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Suhail Bhat is a Village Square Fellow ’23. He works as a multimedia journalist in Kashmir.
