Kupwara, Mar 1: The upper reaches of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district have remained cut off from district headquarters for the fourth consecutive day, leaving residents grappling with severe shortages of essentials and causing immense suffering.
Areas such as Karnah, Machil, and Keran are still inaccessible as heavy snowfall has left passengers stranded. Locals have reported difficulties getting basic necessities. Residents of Machil conveyed to Greater Kashmir their plight, stating, "We are forced to shoulder patients to the nearest health centre which happens to be at Dudi." Such remarks highlight the gravity of the situation, where logistics are all but paralyzed, and residents are challenged to access care.
Adding to the woes, residents from Keran expressed similar concerns, sharing their plight over the unrelenting power outages. A local from Keran stated, "The heavy snowfall has caused massive damage to the electricity infrastructure," underscoring how adverse weather has critically impaired access to power. The various areas—including Karnah—have reportedly been plunged back to darkness, compounding the challenges faced by residents. Ashfaq Ahmad, who lives in Karnah, lamented, "We are really suffering due to lack of electricity and most prominently the blockade of roads adds to our miseries." A senior official from Kupwara administration assured efforts are being made to clear snow from the roads. He stated, "Helicopter service is available for these areas, and the supply may be dispatched if necessary. Currently, we have no reports of vegetable or baby food shortages."
Meanwhile, Assistant Executive Engineer of Power Development Department (PDD) Trehgam, Mohammad Shafi, mentioned, "Electricity was restored to half the areas in Keran and should be fully up by Sunday." He warned, though, concerning the avalanche threats affecting infrastructure repairs, especially for Karnah.
Complaints of water shortages have also rocked residents of south Kashmir’s Shopian district due to the recent rainfall and snowfall. Hundreds of households are grappling with serious water supply issues after main pipelines were damaged. Residents from Kathawhalan, Mujpathri, and Gatipora shared their distress with Greater Kashmir, saying they have been without potable water for days, forcing many to travel long distances to fetch it. Abdul Aziz Bhat, from Gatipora, recanted, "We have been grappling with severe water shortage. Amidst the biting cold, we have to leave our homes early to collect water."
The local populace's urgency is amplified by the impending holy month of Ramadan, which they fear will exacerbate their struggles. "During Ramadan, it will be even more difficult for us to travel long distances to fetch water," they voiced, appealing for swift restoration of water services. Abdul Rashid, the Executive Engineer of the Jal Shakti Department, assured residents the issue was due to inclement weather conditions and stated, "We hope to restore water supply as soon as possible."
Adding another layer to the challenges faced by these regions, Professor Shakil Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), highlighted the disproportionate consequences of global warming on the Himalayan region. Speaking at the workshop organized by the Environment Policy Group (EPG), he stated, "Climate change is undeniably a global phenomenon. Unfortunately, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who contribute insignificantly to global emissions, bear the brunt of its effects."
Professor Romshoo elaborated on alarming trends showing severe disruptions to water resources and agriculture due to climate change. “While major global powers and industries produce greenhouse gases, the rise in temperatures and unpredictable weather patterns impact our region significantly.” He noted, “Autumn, which traditionally affects agriculture, has shown signs of unusual climate changes. Lengthy and unprecedented dry spells have directly impacted agricultural productivity, including crops integral to the region’s culture and economy.” The Vice Chancellor stressed the urgent need to address the climate vulnerabilities facing the region, emphasizing clear actions to mitigate challenges. Faiz Bakshi, the EPG convenor, echoed this urgency, asserting, "Climate change is no longer a distant concern; it is now part of our pressing reality with severe ramifications on the environment and public health of the Kashmir Valley."
This sentiment reverberated throughout the workshop, where various experts discussed the far-reaching impacts of climate change, which have been even more pronounced for this breathtaking region, often referred to as the 'water tower of Asia.' Experts also underscored the urgent need for meaningful collaboration and policy recommendations to bolster resilience amid mounting climate challenges. From water security to food and energy security, almost every aspect of life here is under threat due to climate variability. The recommendations must extend beyond mere dialogue, pushing for actions to maintain this fragile ecosystem and protect the livelihoods of countless Kashmiris.
Given the immediate struggles faced by the people of Kashmir, from blocked roadways to the vulnerabilities posed by climatic change, it is evident the government must adopt swift and actionable strategies to alleviate the dire conditions. Without timely interventions, achieving both immediate relief and long-term sustainability for Kashmir's residents remains uncertain.