The government of Jammu and Kashmir has initiated a crucial project by implementing a State-Specific Climate Change Action Plan. This plan follows the declaration of 2023 as one of the hottest years in Kashmir’s history. During the 40-day-long previous Chilai Kalan period, there was no snowfall, and temperatures were significantly above normal. Additionally, the water levels in the Jhelum River and Dal Lake were notably low during the summer, highlighting the urgency of addressing climate change.
In this analysis, we examine the details of the climate action plan and its approach to addressing the current climate crisis. The plan is both crucial and timely, highlighting the urgent need for immediate action.
The Dormant Climate Action Plan
Around ten years ago, the government of Jammu and Kashmir promised to create a State-Specific Climate Change Action Plan to address the climatic problems in the valley. Sadly, this promise was not fulfilled until very recently, in 2023. The 2014 plan highlighted actions that were crucial for the health and well-being of the region. Some of these actions or categories included health, disaster management, sustainable farming, sustainable habitat management, sustainable tourism, water, solar energy, renewable energy, and the Himalayan ecosystem.
The initial plan was important, but it encountered several issues that made practical implementation difficult. It was estimated that 6,000 crores would be needed, but the central government did not approve the funding at that time. The officials did not recognize the seriousness of climate change, which delayed the plan, and no action was taken. Since then, the Environment and Remote Sensing Department has been working diligently to develop a comprehensive Climate Change Action Plan, specifically for the Jammu and Kashmir region, which has been experiencing prolonged dry periods and changing weather patterns.
Recently, the climate action plan for Jammu and Kashmir has been published, detailing all aspects of the Kashmir Valley. The plan clearly states that urgent action is needed to protect the environment and safeguard the local population. Following its release, the local people hope that the management plan will be implemented at the ground level. This implementation will benefit not only the local environment but also the overall Himalayan region.
Framing the New Climate Action Plan
Since October 2023, the Department of Environment and Remote Sensing has been diligently working to prepare a comprehensive Climate Change Action Plan for Jammu and Kashmir. The plan aims to address climate change locally, in contrast to the previous strategy of inaction. To ensure that the approach is focused and effective, it is important to carefully examine the variations in weather patterns, even at a local level. Given the plan’s broad scope, it addresses many significant issues affecting the community’s health. It covers agriculture, industry, air travel, and transportation, as all of these sectors are essential for the overall health of the environment in Jammu and Kashmir.
The main goals of the Climate Action Plan are to determine the levels of greenhouse gases emitted into the local atmosphere and to develop strategies to mitigate their effects. Significant effort is being put into encouraging people to plant more trees to help reduce the damage. The proposed Climate Action Plan focuses on two main areas: adaptation to climate change and mitigation of its effects. This approach, based on a vulnerability analysis of each area, provides a comprehensive understanding of the unique issues that each district in the union territory is facing.
The other objective of the plan is to mitigate the impact of climate change, as the Himalayas are particularly susceptible to extreme weather and changing climatic conditions. Achieving this could help address major issues related to power generation, groundwater recharge, sustainable agriculture, and fish farming, all of which are vital to the economy of the Kashmir Valley.
Climate Crisis in Kashmir
Recent events have highlighted Kashmir’s climatic issues, which require urgent attention. A significant wildfire in the Kandi Forest range near Rampora Rajpora recently turned a green forest into ashes. Srinagar, a city known for its clean air and beautiful scenery, has also been affected by such changes. This year, the Kashmir Valley experienced significant temperature fluctuations, with January 2024 being one of the hottest months on record.
The scale of this change becomes evident when considering the amount of precipitation Kashmir received in December 2023, which was 79% less than in previous years. The reduction in water levels in glaciers and rivers is significant and could impact the lives of millions of people. The changing climate affects many crucial sectors, including water supply, agriculture, and the ecological balance of the environment.
In January and February of this year, the Kashmir Valley experienced both extremely high and low temperatures within the same period, which is unusual. This underscores the need for implementing a climate action plan to help preserve this ecologically sensitive area. The strategies outlined in the management plan are designed to protect the local environment and provide hope for a better future.
Public Health and Environmental Impact
During winter, Kashmir experiences thick fog that covers much of the valley. This smog, which contains harmful pollutants, is detrimental to public health. Reports indicate that approximately 10,000 people in Jammu and Kashmir die each year from illnesses directly or indirectly caused by air pollution. The incidence of respiratory problems and related diseases has been increasing, suggesting long-term negative effects on health. The dense pollution has also made it difficult for people to perform their daily tasks, significantly impacting their quality of life.
Not only have these environmental changes harmed public health, but they have also affected the power sector. Extreme and unpredictable weather patterns have led to power outages in both urban and rural areas. This demonstrates the widespread impact of climate issues, affecting not only people’s health but also essential services they rely on.
To mitigate the negative effects on public health and essential services in the area, these issues must be addressed through collaborative efforts and a comprehensive approach. By understanding the interconnectedness of these problems and implementing effective plans, stakeholders can work together to ensure a healthier and more resilient future for the people of Kashmir.
Collective Action: Individual, Community, and Government Levels
Addressing the climate problem requires the collective effort of individuals, communities, and governments. This is precisely the focus of the Climate Change Action Plan 2024. The implementation of this plan is crucial; it should not remain confined to documents or online pages but should be actively applied. The plan addresses nearly all aspects of climate change in the Kashmir Valley, and there is still much that can be done at the individual and community levels as well.
Each person can make a significant difference by adopting environmentally friendly practices. This includes simple actions like reducing waste, planting trees, and living sustainably. While the impact of these small changes may not be immediately noticeable individually, when combined, they can significantly reduce our overall carbon footprint.
At the neighbourhood level, projects such as starting community gardens are very important. These green spaces not only promote environmentally friendly farming practices but also foster a sense of shared responsibility among community members. Additionally, creating awareness campaigns within communities can have a significant impact, contributing to a more sustainable and climate-resilient environment.
For effective action on climate change, government involvement is crucial. Investing in clean energy sources is a significant step toward a better future. Implementing strict environmental regulations ensures that businesses prioritize sustainability. To drive meaningful change, we need to promote more sustainable behaviours on a larger scale. Providing incentives for businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices can encourage more sustainable choices. Additionally, smart urban planning is essential, as it can make cities more resilient to climate change and better equipped to adapt to environmental changes.
Conclusion
Kashmir is facing a climate crisis that requires more than conventional solutions. This year has demonstrated the severe impact of climate change on the ecologically sensitive valley of Kashmir. Therefore, a new approach is needed. By embracing new ideas, taking decisive action, and committing to improvement, we can transform the narrative of environmental decline into one of healthy coexistence.
This is not just a plea for Kashmir; it’s a call for everyone to protect Mother Earth and all who live on it. Given the potential for severe consequences, we must act with care. As the saying goes, “Better late than never,” and now is the time to take action. Similarly, the proposed Climate Change Action Plan for Jammu and Kashmir should be viewed as more than just a strategy. It should serve as a roadmap for a sustainable and resilient future for the region. With its comprehensive range of strategies, this plan offers a practical path forward, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.
ReferencesÂ
https://kashmirobserver.net/2024/01/25/jk-initiates-climate-action-plan-amid-crisis/
https://www.greaterkashmir.com/editorial-page-2/climate-crisis-in-kashmir/
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://jkjalshakti.nic.in/Programmes/SAPCC%20J&K_Executive%20Summary_23-10-2013.pdf
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://moef.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Jammu-Kashmir.pdf
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