Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Jan 09: Concerns are growing over the impact of an unusual drought on tourism and the local economy in the Kashmir region.
As per the Web Story ground report, Kashmir’s tourism industry is facing a significant risk due to the lack of snowfall.
Known for its stunning winter landscapes and popular skiing destinations, the region heavily relies on tourism to drive economic growth and development. However, the absence of snowfall has deterred tourists from visiting, resulting in a decline in hotel bookings, ski-related activities, and other tourism-related services in the world-famous health resorts Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg.
This has had a detrimental impact on the livelihoods of local businesses and individuals who depend on tourism for their income.
Parvaiz, who runs a group of hotels in parts of Kashmir, told The Web Story that the lack of snowfall in the early winter season has left the popular tourist destination of Gulmarg empty and businesses struggling. He said that without snow on the ground, tourists don’t experience the true essence of Gulmarg that they come for. The business has undoubtedly been struggling due to the dry spell.
Sajad Ahamd, another hotelier at Gulmarg, also acknowledged the challenges faced due to the unprecedented dry spell. However, he expressed hope that snowfall would return soon, reviving the tourism industry at this health resort.
Experts attribute the dry spell to climate change and fluctuating weather patterns, which not only affect tourism but also raise concerns about water scarcity in the region. Local streams and rivers that rely on snowmelt for water supply are running dry, posing a threat to the environment and agriculture.
Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah has expressed his concern over the unprecedented dry spell in Gulmarg.
Abdullah took to social media to share his dismay, highlighting the stark difference in snow conditions through comparison photographs from previous years. He emphasized the potential challenges that await the region if snowfall does not occur soon, predicting a miserable summer ahead. Abdullah also mentioned the disappointment faced by skiing enthusiasts, including himself, who are eager to ski but are met with a lack of snow.
Mukhtar Ahmad, the Director of the Kashmir Meteorological Department, told Web Story over the phone that from January 10–14, generally dry weather is expected. Overall, no significant weather activity is expected until January 15.
He said such dry spells have occurred in the past. “In 2022, December passed without any wet spell, and in 2018, December and January concluded without any wet spell,” he said, emphasizing that the ongoing dry spell is not a new phenomenon in Kashmir.
Kashmir’s severe winter season, known as “Chilla-i-Kalan,” commenced on December 21, marking a significant drop in temperature with numerous locations experiencing temperatures well below freezing point. This frigid period will persist until January 31.
Throughout December and the initial week of January, J&K faced a scarcity of rainfall, resulting in minimal snowfall across the plains and lower mountainous areas.
