Srinagar: As the forty-day period of Chillai Kalan, harshest winter period between December 21 and January 29, progresses without snowfall, environmental experts raise concerns about the devastating consequences on glaciers, irrigation, agriculture, and various dependent sectors.
Renowned scientist Dr. Irfan Rashid underlined the importance of snowfall during Chillaikalan for regulating glacier health and streamflows.
He warned that the absence of snow in this critical period could result in higher mass loss of glaciers, negatively impacting hydropower generation, irrigation, and agriculture.
“After 7 years, Kashmir is again experiencing snowless winter. But snowfall in chillai kalan is important for regulating glacier health and stream flows,” R̥ashid said.
The dry winters would mean higher mass loss of glacciers in this hydrological year, if the weather conditions do not improve, it will impact hydropower generation, irrigation agriculture and dependent sectors,” he added.
Professor Shakil Romshoo, another expert in climate change, stressed the adverse effects of the lingering absence of wet spells on fish farming, crop cultivation, and water resources in the valley.
He expressed concerns about potential water shortages during the summer, underscoring the essential role of winter snowfall in ensuring water security for the region during the spring and summer months.
“The prolonged freezing of snowfall in Chillai Kalan, which subsequently melts during the summer, plays a crucial role in regulating the water supply in Kashmir," he explained.
Dr. Suhaib Bandh, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science at S P College Srinagar, underscored the disruption of natural irrigation patterns caused by dry spells.
He warned that the non-availability of water for crops in the future could create favorable conditions for pests and diseases, impacting Kashmir’s apple industry.
“We need strategic water management practices to resist drought and ease agricultural practices in the Kashmir Valley,” he added.
Also, the Chief Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department Kashmir, Sanjeev Malhotra, reported that the dry spell has already begun impacting the water resources of the valley.
“Due to the absence of timely snowfall and rainfall, water levels are expected to further reduce,” he warned.
The Meteorological Department in Srinagar has predicted mainly 'Dry weather' until January 16, with an increase in day temperatures to 7-8 degrees Celsius in the Kashmir valley.