Environment Archives | Page 2 of 42

Respite from the Scorch: Relief on the Horizon as Rain Arrives in J&K

July 9, 2024 Editor

A Respite from the Heat: Rain and Cooler Temperatures Sweep Across Jammu and Kashmir Srinagar: The scorching sun that has dominated Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) in recent weeks seems to be taking a temporary break. While Srinagar, the summer capital, did experience a slight rise in temperature on Monday, settling at 32.5°C, a welcome dip has been observed across much of the region. This shift in weather patterns brings the promise of cooler conditions and the potential for light rain showers in the coming days. A Look at the Forecast:…

Kashmir’s Cool Crown Melts: Climate Blamed for Record-Breaking Heat

July 6, 2024 Editor

Srinagar: As Srinagar and rest of Kashmir witnessed record-breaking maximum temperatures this July, the experts here have claimed that the unusual, abnormal temperatures and precipitation is the outcome of the climate change. However, the experts are of the belief that the shifting of Monsoon winds as well as the absence of Western Disturbances has shown the abnormal behaviour. Professor Ghulam Jeelani, Dean, School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Kashmir University said that the rising temperatures, unusual precipitation is not the Kashmir phenomenal; these things are being witnessed across the globe…

Amarnath Yatra Goes Green: 600+ Workers Aim for ‘Zero-Landfill’

July 5, 2024 Editor

Fifteen waste processing facilities have been set up and over 600 workers deployed along the two routes of the Amarnath Yatra in the south Kashmir Himalayas to achieve “zero-landfill” by ensuring a garbage-free sustainable pilgrimage, a senior government official said on Wednesday. More than one lakh pilgrims have visited the cave shrine located at a height of 3,880 metre — using the 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in Ganderbal — since the 52-day yatra began on June 29. The official said the 15…

Kashmir’s Cool Spring Takes a Turn: Prepare for Scorching Days, But Rain’s on the Horizon!

May 8, 2024May 8, 2024 Editor

Kashmir Swaps Snow for Sizzle: Heatwave Forecast with Light Rain Relief Later Srinagar Sizzles: Bid farewell to the spring showers and snow flurries, Kashmir! The Meteorological Department has issued a heatwave warning, predicting dry and scorching days for the next three days across the region. Temperatures on the Rise: An official at the Srinagar Meteorological Department confirmed to Kashmir Infocus that a significant rise in temperatures is imminent. This shift comes after Srinagar, the summer capital, witnessed its hottest day of the season yet on Tuesday, recording a scorching 29.2…

The Vanishing Crown: How Climate Change is Stealing Kashmir’s Water and Beauty

May 4, 2024 Editor

Vanishing Paradise: Kashmir’s Water Crisis Threatens Its Breathtaking Beauty By: Javid Amin The “Crown of India,” Kashmir, is losing its jewels. Climate change is rapidly altering the delicate water balance of this breathtaking region, leading to melting glaciers, receding rivers, and a growing water crisis. This crisis threatens not just Kashmir’s stunning landscapes but the very lifeblood of its people, their livelihoods, and their cultural identity. A Warming Threat: The Himalayas on the Brink The Himalayas, often referred to as the “Third Pole” due to their vast freshwater reserves stored…

Looming Himalayan Quake: Tectonic Strain Reaching Critical Point

March 25, 2024March 25, 2024 Editor

Why next biggest earthquake in Himalayas could be triggered by Indians By: CP Rajendran & Kusala Rajendran The Himalayas produced three great earthquakes in the last century alone—1905, 1934 and 1950, but none afterwards. With increasing clarity on the nature of temporal-spatial patterns of earthquakes, there is a consensus about the identifiable gaps along the Himalayas. The central Himalayas are recognised as one such gap, primed for a future large or great earthquake. The long interval of at least 500 years marked by the absence of earthquakes represents a period…

Fasting for Nature: Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike for Ladakh’s Future

March 25, 2024March 25, 2024 Editor

19 Days In, Activist Demands Nature Gets A Seat At The Policy Table As his fast entered the 19th day, Ladakhi activist Sonam Wangchuk called for having “nature representatives” in Parliament in a feeble voice. Drawing parallels between Delhi and the ecologically sensitive Ladakh, Wangchuk proposed “giving nature a voice” in the highest policymaking body of the country, saying that ecological concerns must be given a fair representation. Wangchuk called for the implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution in Ladakh to grant indigenous tribes nominal autonomy. Ladakh is…

Quenching the Thirst: Unraveling the Water Crisis in Kashmir Valley

March 8, 2024 Editor

A Precarious Balancing Act By: Javid Amin As the sun beats down relentlessly, regions far beyond Karnataka’s arid landscapes are grappling with a water crisis of their own. The specter of drought is now looming over the picturesque Kashmir Valley, presenting a new disaster in the making. This article ventures beyond the immediate headlines to explore the intricate details of the impending water crisis in Kashmir, shedding light on its causes, consequences, and potential solutions. The Karnataka Prelude: A Warning Echo for Kashmir Before delving into the unfolding crisis in…

Jammu and Kashmir Records Driest, Warmest January in 43 Years

February 8, 2024 Editor

In terms of snowfall or rains, Srinagar city witnessed the second driest January in the past four decades, recording a mere 3.0 mm of precipitation in the month this year, it said. Several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar city, witnessed the warmest January in 43 years, the Meteorological Centre Srinagar’s data said. In terms of snowfall or rains, Srinagar city witnessed the second driest January in the past four decades, recording a mere 3.0 mm of precipitation in the month this year, it said. The lowest precipitation in…

Kashmir’s Wetland Jewel Shines Brighter: Chatlam Welcomes Migratory Throngs & Rare Treasures

January 25, 2024 Editor

Amidst a long-drawn-out dry spell, this winter sprang a surprise for bird watchers with a rare guest sighting at the wetlands of south Kashmir’s Pampore area after a long time. The Common shelduck belonging to the Anatidae family was sighted near Chatlam wetland, barely 2 km from Pampore town in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, after many years. Director Wetland Research Centre, Wildlife Conservation Fund, and Project Associate -I at Wildlife Institute of India, Parvaiz Yousuf said, “It is a rare bird and was spotted at the wetland after many years.…