Climate Change

No snow in paradise: See Kashmir’s dry winter in pictures

A dry winter spell is showcasing the impact of climate change in Kashmir. The once snow-capped locations lie bare this year, even during the harshest 40-day winter period known as Chillai Kalan. Here are pictures of drastic changes in the region.

Mehroob Mushtaq, Numan Bhat
The upper reaches of Astanmarg in Srinagar covered with snow last winter. Photo By: Numan Bhat
In complete contrast, mountains in Kashmir have no snow cover this winter. Photo: Mehroob Mushtaq
The dry cold has frozen waterbodies this time. Here, tourists enjoy ice skating in Gulmarg despite the absence of snowfall. Photo: Mehroob Mushtaq
Last year, children could be seen having snowball fights. Photo: Mehroob Mushtaq
This winter, instead of snowball fights, youths are playing footfall on dry grounds. Photo: Numan Bhat
A wide view of a houseboat on the dried-up riverbed of the Jhelum river in Srinagar. Photo: Mehroob Mushtaq