Shifting our focus to India, where Gulmarg, the Wonderland of Kashmir, is currently facing an unprecedented dry spell. This season, when one expects India’s Switzerland to be clad with snow, Gulmarg is instead facing a staggering rainfall deficit of over 70%, leaving skiers with no choice but to keep their snowboards at home. The Kashmir Valley, renowned for its natural beauty, is experiencing a dry spell with no snow or rain and became Snowless Kashmir. According to the Meteorological Department, there is an alarming 75% rainfall deficit during the months of December and January. The world-famous ski resort in Gulmarg now appears bare, devoid of any snow cover.
The dry spell is not limited to Gulmarg but affects Jammu and Kashmir as a whole. The weather is expected to remain dry for the next week until January 16th and 17th. The absence of snowfall not only affects tourism but also has long-term implications for groundwater levels and the horticulture sector.
Experts in weather patterns attribute this dry spell to the warming of sea surface temperatures, which has disrupted the global weather system. India’s Iman belt is receiving far less rainfall and snowfall as a result. Unfortunately, tourists who had planned their trips to experience India’s Switzerland this season are in for a disappointment.
Impact on Tourism :
Visitors to Gulmarg and other hilly areas are unable to ski or witness snowfall, as the weather conditions do not permit it. Many tourists, despite planning their trips months in advance, reach their destinations only to find no snow. However, they understand that they cannot blame anyone but global warming for this unfortunate situation.
While tourists make the most of what they have, the dry spell has started to impact the livelihoods of locals who depend on tourism. Kashmir, which is usually bookmarked as a winter destination, is now witnessing cancellations of trips. The tourism industry is praying for a change in weather to ensure the continuous influx of tourists.
One local expressed their concerns, saying, “We are losing out on a lot of money due to the lack of snow. Usually, we would have around 5 to 6 feet of snow, but this dry spell has led to significant losses for the sledge guys, guides, and everyone involved.”
A Grim Future :
Looking at the future of the Valley, the Meteorological Department has warned that there is no respite from the dry spell in the coming weeks. Kashmir has been witnessing an unprecedented weather change for the past month, with areas like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonmarg experiencing a lack of snow. This has resulted in the drying up of many water bodies across the region.
Weather experts attribute this phenomenon to global warming, causing disappointment among tourists visiting Snowless Kashmir. The impact of this dry spell goes beyond missing out on skiing or witnessing snowfall; it affects the livelihoods of locals and the overall tourism industry.
The snowless Kashmir is an alarming reality caused by an unprecedented dry spell. Gulmarg, touted as India’s Switzerland, is currently devoid of its usual snow cover, leaving skiers and tourists disappointed. The absence of snowfall not only affects tourism but also raises concerns about long-term implications on groundwater levels and the horticulture sector.
While experts attribute this weather anomaly to global warming, locals and the tourism industry are facing financial losses due to cancellations and lack of visitors. The hope for a change in weather lies in the hands of nature, as Kashmir Valley continues to face an uncertain future.