It has been an ‘arid winter’ in the Union Territory of Ladakh. There has been a complete absence of snowfall since November 2023. And it has set alarm bells ringing in the fragile region. This photo shows the Sangam Point near Nimmo village of Leh district. The confluence of the Indus and Zanskar rivers is ice-free this time. Photo: Dorjay Kaya There will be a scarcity of water resources, particularly affecting irrigation, agriculture, and plantation. However, there won’t be an immediate impact on drinking water availability, according to Sonam Lotus, director, Meteorological Department, UT Ladakh. This photo shows the city of Leh without snow on January 24, 2024. Photo: Pachuk NyomaThe snowless winter is also leading to developments never seen before in Ladakh. For example, the high mountain passes have been motorable throughout the season instead of being snow-bound. This picture shows the Umling La Pass with no snow. Photo: Dorjay KayaThe snowless winter has also hurt the economy, something that the residents can expect more in the future. For instance, this photo shows fans being used to form ice at a skating rink in Kargil. Photo Courtesy: Iftikhar Hussain