Warm spell in Kashmir’s peaks sparks curiosity, snowmelt Anantnag, Jan 8: Several upper reaches in southern Kashmir recently experienced warmer days compared to the low-lying areas, sparking discussions among locals and experts alike. Areas such as Ahlan-Gadole and Matigawran, the remotest parts of Kokernag, along with D K Marg in Kulgam and Hirpora in Shopian, situated beneath the Pir Panjal mountain ranges, reported this unusual phenomenon last Saturday. “Yes, it felt warm that afternoon in our area,” said Ishfaq Ahmad, a local from Gadole village of Kokernag. He said that morning…
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Environment
Birding Breakthrough: Persian Wheatear Seen in Kashmir After 100 Years
Kashmir’s Rare Bird Persian Wheatear Photographed After Over A Century Srinagar: The red-tailed wheatear, also known as the rusty-tailed wheatear, Persian wheatear, or Afghan wheatear (Oenanthe chrysopygia), has been photographed for the first time by birdwatchers in Kashmir. Three enthusiastic birdwatchers from the “Birds of Kashmir” club— Irfan Jeelani, Ansar Ahmad, and Sheikh Riyaz—made the sighting. The trio documented the red-tailed wheatear in the scenic Zabarwan mountains in Srinagar. “We sighted the bird in the Zabarwan hills on December 22,” Jeelani told . “It took us time to verify the bird’s…
Read MoreJ&K Braces for Moderate Snowfall on Jan 4-5; Dry Weather Until Year-End
Moderate snowfall likely in J&K on Jan 4, 5: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar, Dec 30: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar today forecast snow at many places of Jammu and Kashmir from January 3 to 6, with peak activity on January 4 and 5. The weather conditions will likely remain dry till December 31, the MeT official said. He said two Western Disturbances (WDs) in quick succession likely to affect Jammu and Kashmir, and adjoining areas from January 1 onwards. The official said from January 1 to 2, the J&K will likely be…
Read MoreHaigham Wetland’s Cry for Help: EPG Uncovers Ecological Tragedy
Devastation at Haigham Wetland Conservation Reserve Uncovered by EPG Srinagar, November 27, 2024 – The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has unveiled a devastating account of environmental degradation at the Haigham Wetland Conservation Reserve, a once-thriving ecosystem now reduced to a desolate landscape of dried grass and fallen vegetation. This internationally recognized wetland under the Ramsar Convention has been systematically destroyed through unchecked encroachment and administrative negligence. Spanning 16,000 kanals, this critical habitat has transformed from a vibrant sanctuary for migratory birds to a barren wasteland. Local communities, who historically depended…
Read MoreFrom Sanctuary to Desolation: EPG Highlights Mirgund Wetland’s Plight
EPG Calls for High-Level Inquiry into Deteriorating Condition of Mirgund Wetland In its continued efforts to address the environmental challenges facing Kashmir’s wetlands, the Environmental Policy Group (EPG) conducted a detailed visit to the Mirgund Wetland, also known as Mirgund “Jheel,” located 16 kilometers from Srinagar on the route to Gulmarg. Once a thriving bird sanctuary spanning approximately 4 square kilometers and primarily fed by the Sukhnag Nallah and the Jhelum Flood Spill Channel, the wetland now lies in an utterly desolate state. The Environmental Policy Group has expressed grave…
Read MoreHarsh Winter Ahead: MeT Predicts Dry Weather in Kashmir Till Nov 30
MeT predicts dry weather till Nov 30, Harsh winter ahead in Kashmir The Meteorological department Kashmir today said that weather will stay dry till November 30 and the night temperatures will further fall in Srinagar and go up to minus 1.5. It said in the hilly areas there was a possibility that the night temperature may plummet up to minus 5 degrees Celsius. Hinting at the harsh winter ahead in Kashmir, the Deputy Director Meteorological department Kashmir Dr Mukhtar Ahmed said that the minus 0.7 degrees Celsius temperatures in Srinagar…
Read MoreDry Spell Hits Hard: Kashmir’s Agriculture Suffers from Lack of Rain
‘Thirsty lands, struggling Farmers’: Kashmir suffers from severe rain deficit The months’ long dry spell in Kashmir has left farmers struggling as the lack of rainfall continues to affect crops, from fruit to vegetables, experts and farmers said Monday. Even as the dry spell was broken by the snowfall in upper reaches and light rain in plains, the experts opined that there was a desperate need for major spells of rainfall as trees are craving for moisture and soil is thirsty. The scarcity of water has not only affected the sowing…
Read MoreKashmir’s Dry Spell to End Briefly with Rain and Snow: MeT
Dry Spell to End Briefly with Rain and Snow in Kashmir: The Meteorological Department Srinagar 09 Nov: The Meteorological Department has issued a detailed weather forecast and advisory for Jammu and Kashmir, covering the period from November 8 to November 16, 2024. According to news agency KINS, the forecast indicates that generally dry conditions will prevail across the region until November 9, offering residents a brief respite. However, a change in weather is anticipated between November 10 and November 11, with light rain and snowfall expected over northern and central…
Read MoreDry Spell Intensifies Water Scarcity in Kashmir, Supply Drops by 15%
Drought Crisis Looms as Water Levels Plummet Srinagar, Oct 17 : Kashmir Valley is grappling with a potable drinking water supply shortage as surface water sources continue to dry up due to a prolonged dry spell. While the situation is not deemed alarming across the valley, the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department (Jal Shakti) Kashmir has acknowledged that around 10-15 percent of the region is experiencing water scarcity, particularly in parts of north Kashmir and Srinagar parts. Chief engineer PHE Kashmir, Vivek Kohli, speaking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer…
Read MoreKashmir Faces New Ecological Challenge: Wild Boars Threaten Biodiversity
Resurgence of Wild Boars Poses Ecological Threat in Kashmir, Experts Warn Srinagar: Kashmir, known for its unique biodiversity is currently facing a new ecological challenge posed by the resurfacing of wild boars. These animals have been frequently sighted in northern districts like Kupwara, Baramulla, and Bandipora over the past few years, and have been responsible for crop damage and distress among local farmers. Recently, their appearance in Srinagar, particularly along the banks of Dal Lake, has sparked anger and concern among the residents. Recently the Wildlife department responded by tranquilising two…
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