Rain Gauge Running Dry: Kashmir Watches in Worry as Winter Turns Arid

Rain Gauge Running Dry: Kashmir Watches in Worry as Winter Turns Arid

Kashmir is experiencing a prolonged dry spell with no snowfall, causing concern for ecologists and tourism stakeholders who depend on snow for visitors. The lack of snow may impact skiing trips and winter sports, with the fear of cancellations and a decline in tourists. The dry spell is attributed to El Nino, which is expected to persist until next month. Other tourist resorts in the region, such as Pahalgam and Sonamarg, are also without winter allure. Although Kashmir is almost halfway through its harshest 40-day winter period, “Chilla-i-Kalan”, no snow…

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Pahalgam’s tourism carrying capacity exceeded, leading to environmental degradation and social disruption

Pahalgam's tourism carrying capacity exceeded, leading to environmental degradation and social disruption

Pahalgam’s environment and culture under threat from tourism By : Javid Amin Pahalgam, nestled in the picturesque region of Jammu and Kashmir, India, has long been renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. Its lush mountains, meandering rivers, and verdant forests have made it a favored tourist destination. However, in recent years, Pahalgam has encountered a host of challenges, primarily centered around environmental degradation and the growing issue of overtourism. Foremost among these challenges is environmental degradation, stemming from several interconnected factors. Deforestation, driven by logging and land clearance, poses a…

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Plastic pollution poses threat to tourism in Kashmir’s border areas

Plastic pollution poses threat to tourism in Kashmir's border areas

Tourist Boom in Kashmir’s Border Areas Brings Plastic Pollution Concerns to the Forefront By: Javid Amin Over the past two years, regions such as Keran, Bangus, Tangdhar, Gurez, and Uri along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir have witnessed a remarkable surge in tourist activity. This uptick in tourism can be attributed to the February 2021 ceasefire agreement between the Indian and Pakistani armies, which opened up these areas for visitors. However, with this influx of tourists comes a concerning rise in plastic pollution. Local officials and environmentalists…

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