03/07/2024
Feeling the Heat in Kashmir: Nature's New Reality Show
Over the past few days, Jammu and Kashmir have been sizzling under an unforgiving sun. The heat wave has hit the Jammu region hardest, with south Kashmir also bearing the brunt. The sweltering temperatures are making even the snow-capped peaks blush with warmth.
But wait! There’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The meteorological department promises us a brief respite with potential rainfall on July 5th and 6th. Let's cross our fingers, do a rain dance, and hope the Almighty is listening.
Historically, Kashmir has been synonymous with snow, cool breezes, and serene pine forests. The mere mention of Kashmir conjured images of a wintry wonderland, even in July. Alas, those days seem to be melting away, much like our glaciers.
Tourists, both local and international, are in for a surprise – and not the good kind. They've come seeking a cool retreat, only to find temperatures rivaling their hometowns. It's a bit like booking a ski trip and ending up on a beach – minus the cocktails.
One might wonder what's causing this fiery transformation. Could it be our penchant for air conditioning? We've decked out our government and private offices, buses, and cars with ACs. Sure, it's a relief inside, but outside, we're just adding fuel to the fire – quite literally.
And let’s talk about our once-pristine streams and rivers. We've polluted every drop, turning our natural swimming pools into cautionary tales. In a region with 14,000 hectares of wetlands and numerous streams, it's tragic that there's hardly a clean pond left for a refreshing dip. What will we tell future generations? That we traded clear waters for convenience and left them with nothing but polluted memories? We can hardly call ourselves the 'Ashraful-Makhlooqat' (the best of creation) with a straight face.
In a desperate bid to escape the heat, many residents head to the hills, seeking solace in the cold waters. But there's a new, not-so-pleasant trend: carrying snacks, beverages, and leaving behind a trail of litter. Spoiling our serene spots with trash is the last thing we need.
Personally, I’ve been on a quest to beat the heat. Recently, I visited an offbeat spot called Karshan, just 10 kilometers from my hometown. The water there is refreshingly cold and crystal clear – a true haven in this heat wave. If you decide to visit, I implore you: please, please, please don't litter. We've already done enough damage to our natural beauty.
Let's cherish and protect these precious spots. After all, in the face of a heat wave, they are our coolest allies.
