The thick blanket of smog engulfing the Kashmir valley for the past three days has once again brought to focus the deadly mix of environmental conditions and pollution casting its spell on the fragile Himalayan region.
Smog led to suspension of air traffic with people in idyllic region surprised by weather conditions which has affected every section of society. Though foggy conditions are usual phenomena during extreme winter months, it is often witnessed between mid-December and January and current haze is being seen by weather scientists due to excessive burning of fossil fuels and agriculture residue by the people.
In recent years, scientists carrying out long-term studies on glaciers in J&K have claimed that accumulation of black carbon, generated mainly by use of coal and petroleum products remains trapped due to the peculiar geological shape of the Valley, surrounded by majestic Himalayan ranges is affecting the glaciers, source of several high altitude lakes and rivers.
Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) Director Sonum Lotus said present conditions are combination of several factors. “There are suspended water droplets and dust particles in air and at the moment winds over Kashmir are cool and calm which has created perfect conditions for the present situation. When temperature on the ground is lower and relative humidity in air is 90%, the result is fog,” said Lotus.
On the optimistic note, the IMD Director claimed that a strong Western Disturbance (WD) is heading towards J&Kand there is likelihood of rain lashing the state in the next 48 hours which will clear the fog and bring life to normalcy.
According to Head of Department (HoD), Earth Sciences, Kashmir University (KU), Dr Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, “This is not just a temporary situation but a worrisome long- term trend that should alert all of us. It has not only adverse impact on our health and business but will leave impact on the most important resource of this state, snow and glaciers,” said Dr Romshoo. He had carried out vast research on glaciers in J&K and impact of climate change on the Himalayas.
He claimed that during the past 40 years it was estimated that about 100,000 hectares (2 million kanals) of agriculture and other lands have been converted for horticulture and expanding agriculture in the state but in the absence of any scientific knowhow to dispose of the by-product of crops, farmers are compelled to burn it for charcoal leading to the release of black carbon.
In recent years, J&Kis witnessing greater number of weather-related disaster. In all, the three regions of the state — Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh — there have been much devastation and loss of life due to environmental triggered factors.
