The Himalayas, often referred to as the “Roof of the World,” are a majestic mountain range in Asia. Word Himalaya, derived from Sanskrit “hima” meaning “snow” and “alaya” meaning “dwelling abode, separating the plains of the Indian subcontinent from the Tibetan Plateau, the range also acts as a strong defence barrier as it saves Central Asian countries from the cold and dry winds. The range is home to the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest, which stands at 29,032 feet (8,849 meters) above sea level. The Himalayas crosses over five countries, India, Nepal, China, Bhutan and Pakistan. With the largest snow and ice cover in the world outside the polar regions, it is one of the most important mountain systems in the world and is also referred as the “third pole” and the “Water Tower of Asia”. The Himalayas contain around 50,000 glaciers and acts as source to ten largest rivers in Asia, providing water to 1.3 billion people.

The Himalayas, as a great climatic divide affecting large systems of air and water circulation, helps to determine meteorological conditions in the Indian Subcontinent to the South and in the Central Asian highlands to the North. By virtue of its location and stupendous height, the Great Himalayan Range obstructs the passage of cold continental air from the north into India in winter and also forces the south westerly monsoon (rain- bearing) winds to give up most of their moisture before crossing the range northward. This results in heavy precipitation (both rain and snow) on the Indian side but arid conditions in Tibet. Himalayas and the rain cycle caused by the range make the Indian region biologically rich and diverse. The recent climatic changes during the last decade have affected this climatic cycle gravely.

Known as Paradise on Earth, the beauty of the region lies in its Snowy Glaciers, Lakes, picturesque Mountains and Green Meadows. A unique and fragile Eco-system, here people are heavily dependent on their natural environment for their sustenance. In Kashmir livelihood of more than 75% depends on horticulture, agriculture and handicrafts with raw material for these being mostly drawn from the natural environment. As per Global reports, the temperatures in this area area rising at a higher rate in comparison to the world average. The temperature here has increased by 1.2 degree Celsius over the last century, higher than the global average of 0.8 to 0.9-degree Celsius. This sudden increase in temperature has impacted life of Kashmir in various aspects like erratic rainfalls/snowfall and fast receding glaciers The Agriculture fields have been hit badly due to dry spell conditions that persist in Kashmir’s monsoon season due to which water is becoming scarcer. Farmers are compelled to shift from agriculture to rain-fed farming and livestock’s are also is facing an uncertain future.

The temperature rise has significantly impacted all the industries of Kashmir. The agricultural economy of Kashmir which is mainly reliant on the cultivation of fruits such as apples, cherries and almonds have been seriously affected by the heat wave changing the fruit and flowering cycles, therefore reducing yield and quality. However, due to the temperature rise in March last year and dramatic drop in temperature caused by the rains in April the blossoming stage of apples and other crops was critically hampered. A nearly of 30% drop in apple production has been observed last year giving a significant blow to the region’s main sector.

 Kashmir’s economy is also dependent on the tourism sector, attracting thousands of visitors with its beauty and pleasant climate. The intense heat in Kashmir this year caught many residents and tourists off guard. Srinagar witnessed its warmest June day in 18 years on 23 June 2023, with a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius. The famous hill regions in Kashmir, Pahalgam and Gulmarg are known for their mild climate noticed 30 degrees Celsius the second-highest maximum temperature recorded in June in 15 years.

Climate Changes in the Kashmir region pose a complex and multifaceted set of challenges. Considering the deadly nature of the effects of global warming, Deforestation, Waste Management, Urbanization, Agriculture expansion and many more reasons primarily all product of human activities, there is need for collective responsibility to save the Nature. Failure can lead to innumerable devastating calamities that will greatly jeopardize the well-being of both present and future generations.