Heat in the “Paradise on Earth” By: Javid Amin | Srinagar | 19 June 2025 Kashmir—often painted in poetry as the “Paradise on Earth”—is grappling with a harsh reality in June 2025: a heatwave that has pushed temperatures beyond comfort and records alike. From Srinagar’s 32.5 °C to Gulmarg’s rare 22.8 °C, the valley’s cool mystique feels under siege. Climate experts warn this is not a blip but a trendline—fueled by urbanisation, deforestation, and global warming—that demands urgent attention. This article unpacks the crisis in plain language, weaving numbers, lived experiences, and actionable…
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Unprecedented Heatwave in Kashmir: What’s Causing the Temperature Spike?
Heatwave Sweeps Kashmir as Srinagar Records Hottest Day of the Season Srinagar 22 May 2025: Kashmir, known for its cool climate and picturesque landscapes, is currently experiencing an unprecedented heatwave. The soaring temperatures have disrupted daily life, affecting agriculture, tourism, and public health. Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded its hottest day of the season at 32.2°C, marking a significant deviation from the usual weather patterns. The heatwave has extended across the region, with Qazigund touching 33.0°C, Kokernag at 31.4°C, and Pahalgam at 27.2°C. Even Gulmarg, a…
Read MoreBaglihar Hydroelectric Project Feels Climate Change Heat: Power Generation Down 83%
Baglihar Hydroelectric Project Feels Climate Change Heat Srinagar, February 22, 2025 – The stark reality of climate change has become increasingly evident at the Baglihar Dam along the Chenab River in the Ramban district of Chenab Valley. The prestigious Baglihar hydroelectric project, with an installed capacity of 900 MW, is currently generating a mere 150 MW of power, signifying a decline of 83 percent. “Climate change and less precipitation are having a direct impact on the power generation from Baglihar,” said a senior Power Development Department (PDD) official, noting that both stages…
Read MoreClimate Change Threatens Kashmir’s Identity: Naeem Akhtar Calls for Rapid Response
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…
Read MoreWestern Disturbance to Bring Rain, Snow to Jammu and Kashmir Amid Water Crisis
Western Disturbance to Bring Rain, Snow to Jammu and Kashmir Srinagar, February 17, 2025 – A fresh Western Disturbance is set to bring much-needed rain and snow to Jammu and Kashmir, offering a potential respite from the ongoing dry spell that has raised concerns about a looming drought in the region. According to the Meteorological Department, the disturbance is expected to affect the region from February 19 to 20, bringing light to moderate rain and snow across the Union Territory, with heavy precipitation likely in higher elevations. Current Weather and…
Read MoreKhelo India Winter Games Postponed in Kashmir Due to Insufficient Snowfall
Khelo India Winter Games Postponed in Kashmir Due to Insufficient Snowfall Srinagar, February 17, 2025 – The second leg of the 5th Khelo India Winter Games, scheduled to be held in Gulmarg from February 22 to 25, has been postponed due to insufficient snowfall in the region. The event, which was set to feature snow sports such as alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, ski mountaineering, and snowboarding, will be rescheduled once the snow conditions improve and a fresh assessment is completed. Rauf Tramboo, president of the Winter Games Association of Jammu…
Read MoreUnpredictable 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 MoreFresh Snowfall and Rainfall End Prolonged Dry Spell in Kashmir Valley
Snow higher up, rain in plains end dry spell in Kashmir; In Srinagar and adjoining areas, intermittent rainfall has been going on since last evening. Srinagar, Feb 1: Fresh snowfall in higher reaches and rain in the plains ended the prolonged dry spell in the Kashmir valley, with the Meteorological Department forecasting a possibility of more precipitation over the next four days. Intermittent snowfall was reported in the higher reaches of Baramulla, Bandipora, Kupwara and Sonmarg districts of the valley, officials said. They said traces of snowfall were seen early morning…
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