Dehradun: In January, the mountains of Uttarakhand, Himachal, and Kashmir are frequently blanketed in snow. However, this year has seen a scarcity of snowfall across the entire Himalayan region. The arid conditions are leading to numerous issues, impacting businesses, agriculture, water supply, and health. This raises the question: what is causing the shift in weather patterns?
Nainital was completely covered with snow in January 2022
Plains are hotter than the mountains
The mountains have not seen any rain or snow for three months. The plains have become hotter than the mountains. Nainital, Mussoorie, Auli, and Almora are experiencing temperatures of up to 18 degrees during the day. The plains are foggy, with temperatures reaching only 10 to 12 degrees during the cold wave. Popular tourist destinations in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh are lacking snow, leading to a 50% drop in winter tourism. Uttarakhand is also experiencing a lack of snowfall.
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Impact of Global Warming
Experts say the effects of global warming are becoming more apparent. Atmospheric scientist Dr. Narendra Singh explains that the changing temperatures are worsening the impact of global warming. The Himalayan region has been experiencing a shortage of snowfall for several years, with less and less snow each year. As a result, glaciers are receding, which is affecting the lower Himalayas and the Shivalik range.
Snow vanished from Nainital in January 2023, temperatures rising to 16 degrees.
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Country’s economy will be affected
Due to the lack of snowfall and rainfall, glaciers will diminish, leading to reduced river water. This will decrease hydropower production in Uttarakhand, causing a shortage of drinking water and affecting crop production in the mountains and plains. Without snowfall, new apple trees could not be planted this year, further decreasing crop production and impacting not just one state but the entire country’s economy.
