Kashmir is simmering with sweltering and scorching heat, sultry currents of humid air are taking toll of our health and business. Roads and markets bear a deserted look during the peak hours of the day. People avoid leaving their homes and places of work albeit exigencies. Even hill stations are unpleasantly warm. Everything seems to be on fire. Every soul is scalded, as the sun is blazingly barraging waves of vicious cannonade of fire. Creatures of Allah (SWT) are craving for a soothing breeze and rain of mercy.
Water levels have drastically gone down in wells, springs, rivulets, streams and other water bodies. The unpleasant soar in mercury is wreaking havoc on our agriculture and horticulture. Immense water scarcity is perturbing farmers because standing crops are shrivelling and withering for insufficient irrigation. Commoners are irked with dwindling amounts of drinking water, which consequently leads to protests and confrontations. The prolonged dry spell coupled with torrid conditions, is about to unfold a crisis of big magnitude upon us.
Kashmir – A land known for its frozen winters, pleasantly hot summers and mildly warm springs and autumns, is now steaming awfully. Temperature has exceeded normal levels vehemently. People are worried about the extreme weather events like heatwaves and prolonged dry spells. Dehydration related ailments are frequently reported from most of the hospitals. It is not all about sweating. The harsh weather is sure to cause drastic climatic changes. A possible drought, species extinction, drinking water scarcity, political instability in the region and loss of livelihood to thousands, is probably in store for us.
We have begun to surpass red-hot cities like Kolkata in terms of simmering heat. If angels of rain will not open the doors of mercy from above, the possible calamitous situation will put our survival at stake. We all are collectively and individually responsible for the catastrophic climate change, but, ironically, we are obstinate or oblivious enough to make a confession and mend our ways. Voice should go shriller from the holy pulpits to edify and educate people of their responsibilities towards environment. There are numerous references from the Quran and the Hadith to conserve the environment.
Probable and evident causes include inordinate plastic consumption, unrestrained deforestation and enormous emission of greenhouse gases. Plastic waste has assumed dangerous proportions in our fragile valley. Every road, street, alley and surrounding is inundated with plastic bags, wrappers and disposables. Fetor and stink causes embarrassment to commuters and residents. The non-biodegradable waste has badly reduced the productivity of soil. Fertile farmlands have become barren.
According to stats, Jammu and Kashmir produces 51,000 tonnes plastic waste annually. Growing consumerism and urbanization are the two important causes behind the surge. Inadequate waste-management system is fanning the flames further. Plastic waste thrown into water bodies has diminished both the quality and the quantity of the water. River Jhelum and its tributaries are lamentably crying for the indifferent attitude of its custodians. Our water was once an antidote, an elixir; but, now, it is as poisonous as Hemlock. I dare my Kashmiri brethren to take a glass of raw water from our rivers. Who is to be blamed for the mess ? Obviously, we all as a nation.
Government though has the discretion and the responsibility to conserve the natural resources, but, they can’t do it alone. We as ‘Ashraful Makhlooqaat’ and rational beings have to be wise, judicious and altruistic in our approach. Greed and avarice has ceased our rationale and intellectual acumen. Our degrees and certificates have become mere accolades and mementos. Our earned education is neither doing good to us nor to others. A conscious and cognizant illiterate is better than an oblivious and insensible scholar. Polythene should be restricted both by the people at the helm and commoners .
Another potential cause of surge in temperature is the unabated deforestation. Green gold is being plundered in the broad day light. Tall and lofty trees are the natural coolers and refrigerators which keep the temperature of the mother earth under proper check. But, our indifference, ignorance, greed and obstinacy to accumulate more wealth has damaged rather ruined our forests appealingly. Though authorities have placed modern checks and balances to curb the menace of deforestation, but the damage control measures look too meagre to conserve the green wealth.
Forest fires, constructional projects taken up by both government and commoners reduce the tree cover very badly. Though climate change impact has clenched us terribly, but, our conscience is yet to awake us from the deep slumber. We are yet to let learn our responsibilities and duties towards our environment. The drastic changes is not all about the prickly heat, but something beyond than that. We may end up with a huge crisis. Alarm bells are ringing, but we are not ready to adapt eco-friendly approach.
Excessive emission of greenhouse gases is one of the ugliest reasons of the sultry weather. Fossil fuel consumption is very high in our fragile valley. Our roads bear congested look with thousands of vehicles plying day in and day out. We take pride in driving a car, which is indeed, but, we have to learn and recognise the repercussions of excessive fossil fuel consumption. We stand at second place in terms of car ownership after Kerala.
According to ( NFHS ) National family health survey 5, 23.7 percent households in Jammu and Kashmir have personal cars. One can imagine the soaring CO2 levels in the atmosphere. People at the helm should introduce clean fuels like CNG to mitigate the environmental crisis. Even odd-even is another option to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. People should be encouraged to use fuel less bikes and cycles. Let’s all pledge to contribute individually and collectively in the mitigation of global and local environmental crisis.
Mushtaq Hurra
