Gulmarg’s Winter Wonderland Threatened by Unprecedented Dry Spell

“First of all, it is very important to understand that Kashmir and the Himalayas at a larger level are considered the third pole of the Earth, and due to this, there’s a decrease in snowfall across the region,” Ohri highlights. This invariably leads to a decline in the water content of the rivers because ultimately, there’s no snow melting and adding to the rivers. Consequently, even the water content in the soil sees a reduction, impacting biodiversity and snow animals.

The environmental implications of the dry spell are alarming, as the Himalayan region relies on snowfall for its water supply. Snowmelt feeds into rivers and streams, essential for irrigation and sustaining local agriculture. With the absence of adequate snowfall, concerns about water scarcity loom large. This could lead to reduced water availability for irrigation, affecting crop yields and the livelihoods of farmers in the region.

The dry spell in Gulmarg isn’t solely an environmental or economic concern; it also poses a threat to the cultural heritage of the region. Explaining the significance of the area and its massive footfall, Digra says, “Kashmir, and specifically the Gulmarg region, are famous for snowfall, and the majority of people come there to see the snow. Winter sports and activities are not just pastimes but are woven into the fabric of the local culture. It attracts tourists for snow and winter sports and activities such as skiing and sledging. Now because of no fresh snowfall this season, winter sports will be impacted directly.” Festivals, traditions, and social practices centred around winter sports are at risk of losing their charm and relevance. This disruption could lead to a loss of cultural identity and heritage nurtured over generations in the snowy landscape of Gulmarg.

The Role of Climate Change

The primary factor contributing to the unprecedented dry spell in Gulmarg, says Ohri, is definitely global warming. He continues, “It’s one of the most primary factors, in addition to the ongoing El Niño effect, as it is altering the global weather patterns and specifically impacting the northern region and Jammu and Kashmir at large.”

The situation in Gulmarg is a glaring example of the broader issue of climate change. The unpredictable weather patterns and extreme climatic events witnessed around the globe are no longer anomalies but indicators of a larger crisis. Gulmarg’s predicament mirrors the broader challenge posed by climate change globally, highlighting the urgency with which we need to address these environmental issues —not just in isolated regions but as a unified global community.

Scientists studying climate patterns in the Himalayan region point to a combination of factors contributing to this unusual dry spell. Ohri re-establishes that El Niño has created a dry spell, resulting in less rainfall and lesser snow accumulation on the mountains and peaks. Apart from the El Niño effect, human activities such as deforestation, urbanisation, and pollution are exacerbating the situation. The complex interplay of natural climatic cycles and human-induced environmental changes is leading to unforeseen consequences, such as the dry spell in Gulmarg.

Urgent Need for Action

“The dry spell was anticipated long back due to increasing global warming,” states Ohri. However, the administration and the locals were unprepared for it and still are because the region has experienced numerous upheavals.

In light of these challenges, there is an urgent need for action. The crisis in Gulmarg serves as a reminder of the necessity for international cooperation in addressing climate change. This phenomenon does not recognise geographical or political boundaries. Global initiatives, such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), play a crucial role in tackling these challenges. Sharing knowledge, resources, and strategies among nations is vital for developing effective responses to climate-induced crises, like the one Gulmarg is experiencing.

Based on modern-day Western technology, several investments in artificial snow making technology are being discussed as a short-term solution to sustain the ski industry, but Digra differs. He believes that solutions adopted in European or Western countries, such as snowmaking machines and artificial technologies, if implemented in Gulmarg, would lead to greenwashing. It will only be a temporary solution to the problem, not solving it or preparing the communities for the long run.

Amid the ongoing situation, local communities in Gulmarg are exploring various adaptation strategies. While there’s no specific plan, Ohri comments that one cannot mitigate the economic repercussions without understanding the situation first. The mitigation process can only start when we realise and make sense of the changes brought forth by global warming and varying weather patterns. This will encourage and equip communities to be resilient, preparing them to face the climate crisis and changes.

He emphasises that these adaptation strategies must come from the communities, not the administration – “It cannot come from the top to the bottom. It has to go from bottom to the top, as the locals and residents of the region have a better understanding of the environment. They have been living there for generations,” Ohri concludes.

Local authorities, government agencies, and international organisations must collaborate to mitigate the impact of these climatic changes. Strategies for sustainable tourism, water conservation, and support for affected local businesses and farmers are critical. It is essential to develop and implement policies that not only address the current crisis but also prepare the region for future climatic uncertainties.

“The facilitation of that process should be created or accelerated by the administration through initiatives, but the solutions will have to be community-led and community-driven. It cannot come from outside and cannot be imposed on the communities. It has to be from the community, of the communities, and for the communities,” suggests Digra. Efforts must also be made to diversify the economy, reduce over-reliance on winter tourism, and introduce initiatives to promote eco-tourism, summer activities, and cultural tourism.

This might not solve or erase the problem immediately, but, shares Ohri, at least it will create the kind of discourse that we need to address this issue.

The Way Forward: Recommendations and Practices

“One has to understand that the region is famous for its tourism, snow, geology, and environment, but that situation is changing now. So, with these changes, the expectations of the tourists should be changing as well. It is essential for our governments, institutions, and local communities to understand the impact to be able to bring in the needed reforms,” Digra implies.

To address the challenges posed by the dry spell in Gulmarg, a multi-faceted approach is required. Policy recommendations include investing in sustainable tourism practices, promoting renewable energy sources to reduce the carbon footprint, and implementing stringent environmental regulations to protect the fragile ecosystem. Furthermore, developing a robust water management system is crucial to ensure water availability for agriculture and daily use, even in the absence of regular snowfall.

Raising awareness about the impact of climate change and the importance of sustainable practices is essential. Community engagement programs that educate and involve local populations in conservation efforts can play a significant role in adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change. Empowering local communities and media to be active participants in preserving their environment is a critical step towards a sustainable future for Gulmarg. The local media is recognising this change, and they’re striving to create momentum so that everyone focuses on this topic and explores probable, immediate solutions.

The plight of Gulmarg, once a thriving winter wonderland now facing a severe dry spell, serves as a wake-up call. It starkly reminds us of the vulnerability of our natural environment to climatic changes and emphasises the urgent need for concerted efforts to address climate change and its impact. From local adaptations to global cooperation, every action counts in preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems. As Gulmarg grapples with this crisis, it stands as a symbol of the broader challenges posed by climate change, urging us to act urgently – in order to protect and preserve this winter wonderland for generations to come.