The dry winter conditions in Kashmir have significantly impacted winter tourism, the local climate, winter crops and horticulture, availability of waters in streams and rivers and a comprehensive approach that addresses this issue will be necessary.
Mushtaq Ahmad Bala
Snow is always a major attraction for most of the visitors in Kashmir. Since there is no snowfall till now, it caused a disappointment among the tourists, planning their visits here. Subsequently, they cancelled their advance bookings. The scenario may continue till Kashmir will have the first snowfall of the season. When a snowfall occurs surely it will bring smiles back on the faces. This is not for the first time that Kashmir is witnessing dry spell in winter.It is being expected that snowfall will occur this winter also and next winters will too have snowfall. But the impact of dry spell was felt stronger this time because of the way it hit the tourism sector. The dry spell has also caused concern among the people, associated with agriculture and horticulture.
The hotel and houseboat owners besides thousands of other people associated with tourism are facing losses due to these cancellations. This is happening after Kashmir was booming with heavy rush of visitors during the last several years.
There is an apprehension that if the dry spell continues, there can be shortage of irrigation water in summer. Even some experts fear scarcity of drinking winter also. The authorities must take measures, which can help the people in such situations. With the dry spell affecting tourism sector, the stakeholders should think how tourists can be motivated to visit Kashmir even in absence of snow. Steps must be taken in this direction. The stakeholders must see what can be done, and that can be worked-out.
Tour operators have observed that the absence of snow has prompted tourists from southeast Asia and other foreign countries to put their travel plans on hold or cancel their bookings.
President of the House Boat Owners Association (HBOA), Kashmir, while expressing concern over the prolonged dry spell, said that snow is absolutely necessary for adventure tourism.Last winter, Jammu and Kashmir received tourists touching crores last year and this year, the administration had set an ambitious target of attracting three crore tourists, but the dry winter has proven to be a significant impediment.
When questioned about the potential impact of the dry spell on the water levels in Dal and Nigeen lakes, the President denied any major impact so far. However, he acknowledged that if the winter passes without snow, the Dal Lake could face issues.
Houseboat owners are already grappling with challenges, including a blanket ban on new houseboat construction and technical difficulties associated with repairs. Consequently, the number of houseboats has declined from 1,200 in 2013 to 750.
Despite these challenges, the Kashmir region experienced a surge in tourism following its reorganisation as a Union Territory. Several factors, such as the Covid-19 pandemic diverting domestic tourists to Kashmir due to related restrictions, contributed to the increased influx. Many high-spending tourists, mesmerised by the breathtaking beauty of places like Gulmarg, Dal Lake, and Pahalgam, have been returning to Kashmir, finding it both adventurous and economical compared to foreign destinations.
The promotional campaigns launched by the state and Union governments regarding Jammu and Kashmir’s integration after the revocation, generated curiosity among domestic travellers. Programmes like Bollywood celebrity shows at Gulmarg, winter sporting events like Khelo India and cultural festivals have played a pivotal role in attracting tourists to Kashmir.
However, the extended dry spell has dampened the spirits of tour operators in the Valley. The influx of tourists not only benefits hoteliers, houseboat owners, and transporters but also helps handicraft, dry fruit dealers, and spice traders, particularly those dealing in saffron.
Despite the challenges posed by the current weather conditions, the hope remains that a timely intervention, such as snowfall or potential measures by the administration, can help revive winter tourism in the region.
A drastic drop in snowfall this winter, led to a decline in tourism. However, Snowfall in Kashmir, is much more than just a tourist attraction. It is crucial for the local climate, winter crops and horticulture, availability of waters in streams and rivers, and for the local economy as drier conditions make the region more susceptible to wildfires, threatening ecosystems, infrastructure, and human lives. Without the snowmelt-fed irrigation, farmland becomes parched, leading to crop failures and economic losses for farmers. Early spring triggered by lack of snow can disrupt natural growing cycles, leading to premature flowering and decreased fruit production, impacting key crops like apples and saffron.Dry, exposed soil is more vulnerable to erosion by wind and water, degrading land quality and agricultural productivity.
Reduced snowpack translates to less water for hydroelectric dams, leading to energy shortages and impacting industries and households.With less snowfall to replenish them, glaciers melt faster, contributing to rising sea levels, disrupting water flow patterns, and threatening the Himalayan ecosystem.Limited snowmelt means less water seeps into the ground, leading to shrinking groundwater reserves and potential water scarcity for drinking and agriculture. A snow-less Kashmir loses its winter wonderland appeal, potentially impacting tourism revenue, severely hitting the business of ski resorts.
It is important to note that there is no single solution to the problem of the lack of snowfall in Kashmir. A comprehensive approach that addresses the economic, environmental, and social impacts of this issue will be necessary.
