Daily Current Affairs : 18-January-2024

This winter, the picturesque regions of Kashmir and Ladakh, especially the famous tourist destination Gulmarg, are experiencing a significant lack of snowfall. This dry winter is affecting winter tourism, ski resorts, and the livelihoods of local residents. Understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon and its consequences is essential.

Reasons for the Dry Winter

Several factors contribute to the lack of snowfall in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K):

Decreasing Trend of Snowfall
  • Climate Change: There has been a noticeable decline in western disturbance events, which are vital for winter precipitation. Along with this, temperatures are gradually rising.
  • Rising Temperatures: The region has seen an increase in temperatures, especially in higher elevations. Interestingly, some areas in Srinagar are experiencing temperatures that are comparable to or even higher than those in Delhi.
The Role of El Niño
  • What is El Niño?: The El Niño phenomenon in the eastern Pacific Ocean is also impacting weather patterns worldwide. It influences global atmospheric circulation, which can lead to reduced snowfall in the region.
  • Impact on Weather: The persistent El Niño conditions can disrupt the usual weather patterns, leading to drier winters.
Western Disturbances
  • Definition: Western disturbances are large, rain-bearing wind systems that originate near the Mediterranean Sea and move eastward. They are essential for bringing winter precipitation to the Himalayan region.
  • Frequency: Typically, four to six of these disturbances occur each winter. The recent decline in their frequency directly affects the amount of snow that falls in northern regions like J&K.

Impact of the Dry Winter

The lack of snowfall brings about both short-term and long-term implications.

Short-term Implications
  • Increased Risk of Forest Fires: Dry conditions raise the likelihood of forest fires, threatening local ecosystems.
  • Agricultural Drought: Farmers face challenges as crop production declines due to insufficient moisture. This is particularly concerning for key crops like apples and saffron, which are vital for the local economy.
  • Early Spring Effects: An early spring can lead to premature flowering, adversely affecting crop yields.
Long-term Implications
  • Hydroelectricity Generation: With less snow, there will be reduced hydroelectric power generation, impacting energy supplies.
  • Glacier Melting: The ongoing rise in temperatures leads to accelerated glacier melting, which could have future consequences for water availability.
  • Drinking Water Supply: Scant snowfall results in minimal groundwater recharge, threatening the drinking water supply for residents.

Important Points:

Reasons for the Dry Winter
  • Decreasing Snowfall:
    • Decline in western disturbance events.
    • Gradual rise in temperatures due to climate change.
  • El Niño Influence:
    • Ongoing El Niño in the eastern Pacific affects global weather patterns.
  • Western Disturbances:
    • Essential for winter precipitation in the Himalayan region.
    • Typically, 4-6 disturbances occur each winter; recent decline affects snowfall.
Short-term Implications
  • Increased Risk of Forest Fires: Dry conditions raise the likelihood of fires.
  • Agricultural Drought: Crop production declines, especially for apples and saffron.
  • Early Spring Effects: Early flowering can reduce crop yields.
Long-term Implications
  • Hydroelectricity Generation: Less snow leads to reduced power generation.
  • Accelerated Glacier Melting: Rising temperatures contribute to faster glacier loss.
  • Threat to Drinking Water Supply: Scant snowfall results in minimal groundwater recharge.

Why In News

This winter, Kashmir and Ladakh, including the popular tourist destination Gulmarg, have experienced a concerning lack of snowfall, significantly impacting winter tourism, ski resorts, and overall local livelihoods, while also raising alarms about the broader effects of climate change in the region.

MCQs about The Impact of a Dry Winter in Kashmir and Ladakh

  1. What is primarily responsible for the decline in snowfall in Kashmir and Ladakh this winter?
    A. Increased tourism activities
    B. A decrease in western disturbance events
    C. A rise in agricultural production
    D. Higher precipitation levels
    Correct Answer: B. A decrease in western disturbance events
    Explanation: The decline in western disturbance events is a significant factor contributing to the lack of snowfall in the region.
  2. What phenomenon is currently influencing global weather patterns, including reduced snowfall in Kashmir and Ladakh?
    A. Global warming
    B. Monsoon season
    C. El Niño
    D. La Niña
    Correct Answer: C. El Niño
    Explanation: The ongoing El Niño event in the eastern Pacific is affecting global atmospheric circulation, which in turn impacts snowfall in the region.
  3. Which of the following is a short-term implication of the dry winter in Kashmir and Ladakh?
    A. Increased glacier melting
    B. Reduced hydroelectric power generation
    C. Increased risk of forest fires
    D. Improved crop yields
    Correct Answer: C. Increased risk of forest fires
    Explanation: The dry conditions raise the likelihood of forest fires, making this a short-term consequence of the lack of snowfall.
  4. How does the lack of snowfall affect local agriculture in Kashmir and Ladakh?
    A. It enhances crop growth
    B. It leads to increased water supply
    C. It causes a decline in crop production
    D. It ensures a steady winter harvest
    Correct Answer: C. It causes a decline in crop production
    Explanation: The insufficient snowfall results in decreased moisture for the soil, adversely affecting key crops like apples and saffron, which are vital for the local economy.

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