The Kashmir Valley is facing an environmental crisis, with crops failing, rivers drying, and heat-related illnesses climbing.
- Crops are failing due to the extreme heat, with apple and saffron farmers facing significant losses.
- Rivers are drying, with the Jhelum River dropping by 30% in water volume.
- Heat-related illnesses are on the rise, with a 120% increase in hospitalisations in Srinagar and Anantnag.
The temperature in the valley reached a record high on July 5, with Pahalgam experiencing its hottest day ever at 31.1°C, and Srinagar recording 37.4°C, the city’s third-highest temperature ever.
| **Reasons for the heatwave** | **Explanation** |
| **Climate Change and Global Warming** | Kashmir is heating up faster than the global average, with the Himalayan region warming nearly twice as fast as the global average. |
| **Urban Heat Islands and Environmental Degradation** | Rapid urban growth, deforestation, and concrete infrastructure have created urban heat islands in Srinagar, Baramulla, and Anantnag, exacerbating the heatwave. |
| **Prolonged Dry Spells** | Extreme dryness has persisted between December 2024 and June 2025, reducing rainfall and exacerbating the heatwave. |
The impacts of the heatwave are far-reaching, affecting not just agriculture but also public health, water scarcity, and tourism.
- Agriculture is being severely impacted, with apple and saffron farmers facing significant losses due to the heat.
- Public health is also at risk, with a surge in heat-related illnesses, including sunstroke, dehydration, and cardiovascular issues.
- Water scarcity is a significant concern, with the Jhelum River dropping by 30% in water volume, affecting irrigation, hydropower, and daily life.
The situation is not just limited to the Kashmir Valley but has implications for the entire region and beyond.
Responses and Adaptation
The J&K government launched its first heatwave action plan for 2024–25, but implementation is lagging.
Experts stress the need for long-term action, including restoring wetlands, managing water better, and planning cities more sustainably.
The EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service warned that global temperatures in 2024 crossed the 1.5°C warming threshold, urging nations to act fast on emissions.
Individuals can take steps to adapt to the heatwave, such as staying hydrated, avoiding peak heat hours, and using cooling appliances.
However, the government needs to take proactive measures to address the root causes of the heatwave and ensure that the region is resilient to climate change.
Conclusion
Kashmir’s record-breaking heatwave serves as a wake-up call for the Valley and the world at large.
It highlights the urgent need for climate action, adaptation, and resilience-building measures to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
References:
India Today, 2025.
Kashmir Observer, 2025.
Kashmir Vision, 2025.
Mongabay India, 2024.
Moneycontrol, 2025.
NDTV, 2025.
The Indian Express, 2025.
The Kashmir Images, 2025.
