Our region is in the middle of a global climate emergency that affects every aspect of life and civilization.
The ill-effects of climate changes are already pronounced in Jammu and Kashmir. The government said that owing to the early onset of summer and an unprecedented heatwave in the month of March and April, experienced for the first time in the last 122 years and 50 years respectively, the Power Development Department took the decision to place maximum bid at the energy exchange to meet the shortfall amidst the surging power demand. Eventually, the additional allocation was made in March to ensure maximum power supply.
The early onset of summer in many parts of India has led to highest ever power demand. Besides, reduced thermal power generation coupled with sub-optimal generation of hydro power due to less rains has resulted in deficient power availability leading to unscheduled and prolonged power cuts, KPDCL said.
It said hydro power generation currently is around 50 per cent of the installed capacity and load supplied by the KPDCL is in the range of 900-1,100 MWs against the peak demand of 1,600 MW.
Climate change is the greatest challenge, present and long term that confronts every species on earth for it threatens human life beyond propositions.
As per the local meteorological department, Jammu and Kashmir received large deficient rain (<-80%) due to absence of any strong Western Disturbance.
Jammu city received only 2.1mm against normal of 68mm (96%) while Srinagar had 21.3mm of rainfall as against normal of 117.6mm (81.88%). The deficit, MeT said, was as a result of absence of any strong western disturbance. The weather remained fair and mainly clear on most occasions which led to early onset of spring and above normal temperature compared to the last few years.
The mean temperature in Jammu city in March this year was 23.3 ℃ which is quite high but not unusual as mean temperature even touched 24℃ in 2004 and 2010. The mean temperature in Srinagar city in March this year was 13.7℃ which is quite high but not strange as mean temperature touched 13.6 and 13.7 ℃ in 2004 & 2010 also in Srinagar.
There is no denying the fact that climate change is making itself felt in various manners. This means it is no longer a theory that can be disputed but it is a reality that has to be dealt with.