Amir Iqbal Khan
Bhadarwah, 03-Jan :Climate change is a serious global problem that has become increasingly urgent in recent years. One of the key indicators of climate change is a decrease in snowfall, as more places are experiencing more significant reductions in snowfall each year. The effects on the environment, both local and global, of this decrease in snowfall are complex and concerning.
Researchers have begun to examine the effects of decreased snowfall on the environment, especially on regions that are heavily dependent on snowfall for their livelihoods. In the US, a decrease in snowfall in the Sierra Nevada during the 2018-19 water season caused a significant drop in California’s snowpack. This resulted in less water coming into the reservoirs and a shortage of water used by the state’s farms, households, and businesses. The situation was made worse by an increase in temperatures in the region, which further decreased the snowpack and caused the Sierra Nevada’s snowmelt to arrive earlier than expected.
Decreased snowfall can have a profound effect on wildlife as well. Cold-weather species, such as mountain goats, are reliant on snowpack for food and shelter during the winter, so a decrease in snowpack can push them towards starvation or displacement. In addition, when snowpack decreases below the threshold of the tree line, trees struggle to survive, leading to dieback and a decrease in habitats for other species.
Not only does decreased snowfall affect the environment, but it also has implications for people living in cold climates. People use snowfall to engage in activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, and ice skating, and decreased snowfall can make it far more difficult for people to participate in these activities. In addition, tourism in ski towns can suffer, as warmer temperatures shift the ideal ski season start date, threatening the livelihood of resort towns.
Snowfall is an important aspect of winter in much of the Jammu and Kashmir UT. Many people depend on snow to provide water when it melts in the spring, including millions of people in the UT, where snowmelt provides 75 percent of the water supply. Many communities also rely on snow for winter recreation. Some plants and animals also depend on snow and snowmelt for survival. The amount of snow that falls in a particular area directly influences both snow cover and snowpack, which refer to snow that accumulates on the ground .
Warmer temperatures cause more water to evaporate from the land and oceans, which leads to more precipitation, larger storms, and more variation in precipitation in some areas. In general, a warmer climate causes more of this precipitation to fall in the form of rain instead of snow. Some places, however, could see more snowfall if temperatures rise but still remain below the freezing point, or if storm tracks change. Areas near large lakes might also experience more snowfall as lakes remain unfrozen for longer periods, allowing more water to evaporate. In contrast, other areas might experience less snowfall as a result of wintertime droughts.
Changes in the amount and timing of snowfall could affect the spawning of fish in the spring and the amount of water available for people to use in the spring and summer. Changes in snowfall could also affect winter recreation activities, like skiing, and the communities that rely on these activities.
“Timely snowfall in Chillai Kalan is essential for the conservation of natural water reserves. The snow in this region helps feed rivers, lakes, and underground aquifers while providing vital soil moisture essential to growth and productivity,” said Mast Nath Yogi an octogenarian Socio-political Activist of Bhadarwah. “It is especially important during the dry summer season when water levels can drop significantly, setting off a chain reaction of negative environmental impacts downstream,” he observed adding, “In addition, the frozen form of precipitation also locks away increased solar radiation, which cuts down on heat-related evaporation events that could contribute to droughts in nearby locations. By helping stabilize the water cycle, timely snowfall in Chillai Kalan is an invaluable aspect of maintaining local ecosystems.”
As far back as forty years, especially in the months of November and December, the sky remained overcast all the time and the day temperature used to drop to minus degrees Celcius which caused immediate snowfall followed by big intermittent spells that acted as continuous factor for huge coverage of mountains and plains to remain studded with snow reserves which sufficed for the rest of the year to supply water in abundance. Ironically, as of now the situation is quite reverse to the earlier. The snowfall has amazingly dwindled and only for few days , temperature shows a dip to minus, which environmentalists attribute it to ecological degradation.
Total vegetal cover specifically Coniferous forestation of Gymnospermic origin of a given area is one of the most responsible reasons for affecting the hydrological cycle in its manifold manifestations. Bhadarwah has the distinction of possessing lush green Deodar, Pine,, Spruce and Fir forest straddling middle to upper Himalayan ranges spread at an area of 112.2 Square Kilometers. Out of this, the dense forest cover is approximately 89 Sq Kilometers while moderately dense cover comprises about 24 Sq Kms which is fast shrinking either due to illegal deforestation activities or mere unauthorised encroachments. This reason is safely being construed as the foremost reason for sharp decline in the average snowfall which is slowly drifting this region towards turning in to a cold desert area, which ought to be the core concern of everyone besides the present dispensation.
Early snowfall is an important factor in ensuring the reservoirs of glaciers remain at adequate levels. Glaciers serve as natural water resources, and their depletion can have a damaging environmental impact. Without a sufficient quantity of snow to refill the reservoirs, glaciers would deplete quickly and have long-term implications for ecosystems around the world. Earlier snowfall successfully replenished these resources not just in terms of volume but also through reducing evaporation due to higher temperatures typically experienced during later snowfalls. This periodic recharging keeps water supply available to flora and fauna in affected areas across both aquatic and terrestrial systems, maintaining ecological balance and allowing species to thrive.
The long-term effects of decreased snowfall are difficult to predict, however, the evidence makes it clear that it is an indicator of a changing climate and one that should be taken seriously. It is vital that policy makers recognise the need for action to address climate change before its effects become catastrophic. Further research into snowfall trends and the effects of decreased snowfall is needed more to fully understand the implications of a changing climate. Only then can we work towards developing meaningful solutions to help reduce its effects and create a healthier and more sustainable future.
