Kashmir’s basic character under threat due to climate change, No Quick-Fix Solutions; Akhtar Urges Govt to Balance Ecology and Development, Form Rapid Response Force Srinagar, Feb 17: Peoples Democratic Party leader and former Minister Naeem Akhtar on Monday urged the government to constitute a rapid response force and make it a top priority to address the pervasive climate impacts in Jammu and Kashmir. According to the PDP leader, the situation has the potential to alter the character of this Himalayan region, which otherwise serves as a source of ecological stability…
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Environment
Unpredictable Weather and Dry Spell Ignite Forest Fires in Kashmir
Prolonged Dry Spell: Forest fire breaks out at multiple places in Kashmir The massive forest fire erupted at multiple places across the Valley on Sunday while as the experts here have attributed the rise in forest fire incidents to both climatic factors and human negligence. An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a massive fire broke out in Tral forests. He said that a forest fire broke out in Pinglish area of Tral area and has spread to other areas as well. Another official told KNO that forest…
Read MoreIllegal Riverbed Mining in Kashmir Leads to Drying Up of Springs in Pulwama and Beyond
Illegal Riverbed Mining in Kashmir Leading to Drying Up of Springs By: Javid Amin Srinagar, February 8, 2025 – The natural springs of Kashmir, which have been crucial sources of drinking water for centuries, are under threat due to illegal riverbed mining. One such example is Bulbul Nag, located in Newa village of Pulwama district, which has historically provided water to the entire area. This spring, among many others, has been chosen by the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Department, also known as the Jal Shakti Department, as a key water…
Read MoreKashmir’s Warm January: 75% Less Snow and Day Temps 6 Degrees Higher Than Normal
Kashmir records 75% snow deficit in Jan, day temperatures 6 degrees above normal Srinagar 04 Feb : Kashmir, also known as the Paradise on Earth, is losing its sheen due to drastic changes in weather patterns across the region. In January 2025, Kashmir Valley witnessed a 75 per cent dip in precipitation, and not only that, day temperatures have also risen and been recorded 6 degrees above the normal. Winter in the Valley has always been about snow-covered mountain ranges, huge tourist footfalls to witness the winter wonderland, and sub-zero…
Read MoreExperts Sound Alarm: Kashmir’s Snowfall Drop Could Lead to Water Scarcity
Kashmir receiving less snowfall can lead to water scarcity in coming months, say experts Srinagar, Jan 30 : Kashmir witnessing less snowfall during peak winter season this year could lead to water scarcity in coming months, experts said on Thursday. Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the experts said the changing weather patterns have led to decline in the intensity of snowfall in Kashmir and it can have far reaching consequences. Director Meteorological department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that the snowfall in winters is important for the…
Read MoreJ&K Government and Chief Secretary’s Directives on Waste Management Welcomed by EPG
EPG Applauds J&K Government and Chief Secretary’s Directives on Solid Waste Management Environmental Policy Group Welcomes Major Steps Towards Comprehensive Waste Management in Jammu & Kashmir –The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has warmly welcomed the Jammu & Kashmir Government’s decision to remediate the Achan Dumping Site and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo’s recent directive that mandates a deadline for municipalities in J&K to prepare comprehensive Waste Management Action Plans. This strategic decision, made during a review meeting with the Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD), signals a significant leap forward in…
Read MoreKashmir’s Peaks Experience Unusual Warm Spell, Sparking Curiosity
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…
Read MoreBirding 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…
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