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| Nights in J&K heating up faster than days, IIT study sounds climate alarm | | | Atul Sharma
Early Times Report
JAMMU, July 30: A comprehensive study by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has raised serious concerns over the growing impact of climate change in Jammu and Kashmir, revealing that average temperatures across the Union Territory's mountainous regions have increased by nearly 1 degree Celsius over the last two decades. The researchers have warned that the rapid warming trend, particularly in high-altitude areas and during the night, could have far-reaching consequences for glaciers, rivers, agriculture and the region's fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
The study, conducted by scientists from the Centre for Ocean, River, Atmosphere and Land Sciences (CORAL) at IIT Kharagpur, analysed temperature records from ten India Meteorological Department (IMD) weather stations located at Jammu, Katra, Batote, Bhaderwah, Banihal, Qazigund, Srinagar, Pahalgam, Gulmarg and Kupwara.
The research was carried out by Professor Jayanarayanan Kuttippurath along with researchers G.S. Gopikrishnan and V.M. Pranav Chandran.
The study found that the rise in temperature is not uniform across Jammu and Kashmir. Middle and high-altitude Himalayan regions are experiencing a significantly faster rate of warming than the plains, a phenomenon known as Elevation-Dependent Warming (EDW).
Scientists explained that as elevation increases, the effects of climate change become more pronounced, making mountain ecosystems particularly vulnerable. Areas such as Pahalgam and Gulmarg have already witnessed an increase of around 1°C in average temperature over the past 20 years, indicating rapid climatic changes across the western Himalayas.
One of the most significant findings of the study is that night-time temperatures are rising faster than daytime temperatures.
Researchers observed that the minimum temperature at several mountain weather stations has increased by 0.1°C to 0.5°C per decade, suggesting that nights in the region are becoming progressively warmer.
According to the scientists, increased atmospheric moisture is trapping the heat radiated from the Earth's surface during the night, preventing temperatures from falling as they traditionally did. This phenomenon is contributing to warmer nights and altering the natural climatic balance of the Himalayan region.
The research also indicates that the largest temperature increases are occurring during the winter season.
Scientists attributed this trend primarily to declining snowfall and changes in the Earth's surface reflectivity, or albedo effect. As snow cover decreases, darker land surfaces absorb more solar radiation instead of reflecting it back into the atmosphere, leading to additional warming and creating a cycle that accelerates climate change.
The findings have significant implications for Jammu and Kashmir's glaciers, which depend on sustained snowfall and consistently low temperatures for their survival.
Scientists cautioned that accelerated glacier melting may initially increase river flows but could eventually reduce the long-term availability of freshwater as glaciers continue to shrink.
Several major rivers, including the Jhelum, Chenab and Sindh, rely heavily on glacier and snowmelt for their discharge, particularly during the summer months. While increased melting may temporarily raise water levels, shrinking glaciers could eventually lead to reduced river flows, affecting irrigation, drinking water supply, hydropower generation and overall water security across the region.
The study warns that continued warming could adversely affect Jammu and Kashmir's horticulture sector, which forms the backbone of the region's economy.
High-value crops such as apples, walnuts and cherries require a specific number of winter chilling hours to ensure proper flowering, fruit development and quality. Rising winter temperatures may reduce these chilling hours, resulting in lower productivity and declining fruit quality.
Researchers also cautioned that warmer conditions could increase the incidence of pests and crop diseases while disrupting traditional cropping seasons and agricultural cycles.
While highlighting the alarming warming trend, the researchers noted that long-term climate data from areas above 3,000 metres remain limited due to the scarcity of weather monitoring stations.
They recommended establishing additional high-altitude meteorological stations to improve climate monitoring and enable more accurate assessments of changing weather patterns across the western Himalayas.
The study underscores the growing urgency for climate adaptation measures in Jammu and Kashmir, as rising temperatures threaten not only the region's glaciers and rivers but also its agriculture, biodiversity and long-term ecological sustainability. |
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