Greetings to all my readers! Today, I want to share my thoughts and experiences regarding the changing climate in our valley, the challenges we’ve faced over the past year, and the urgent need for us all to reflect on our actions toward nature.
Winters used to be very wet here in the valley, with a lot of snowfall and rainfall. Over the years, people had become accustomed to such climatic conditions. However, this year was quite different—snowfall occurred on just a few occasions and in very scant quantities. Winter precipitation is crucial for the entire valley, as we do not have alternative sources of irrigation like artificial canals in rural areas. This precipitation is essential for replenishing the soil’s water content.
We mainly depend on orchards that produce apples, and the quantity of apples produced is directly dependent on the precipitation received. Thus, our livelihood is closely tied to rainfall and snowfall. Unfortunately, precipitation was very low throughout the year. Speaking of rainfall, what we received wasn’t significant, and during the year, the impacts of drought on apple orchards became evident, affecting both crop production and, ultimately, our economy.
We need water not only for irrigating fields but also for essential agricultural practices like spraying pesticides, which has become increasingly important due to the rise in diseases affecting apple trees. In fact, more water is required for spraying pesticides than for irrigation. Since we live in a hilly region, rainfall helps replenish the water used for these activities, but when rainfall is scarce, accessing adequate water becomes a challenge.
Throughout the past year, drinking water supply through pipelines was disrupted for more than a month, making survival during that period particularly difficult. Despite this hardship, we anticipated some relief through winter rains, but our hopes were dashed as winter precipitation remained scarce. We received snowfall only once, and that too just up to half a foot—far less than the usual three to four feet.
Now that winter has ended, spring, which typically brings good showers to the valley, has also disappointed us with dry weather and little to no precipitation. A few days ago, when the meteorological department predicted rain, we were hopeful for significant rainfall that could benefit us in the future. However, the prediction proved inaccurate; only a few millimeters of rain fell, barely moistening the top layer of the soil.
We are witnessing the harsh effects of climate change at its worst. Sadly, the people of this valley—who have contributed little to global warming—are the ones bearing the brunt, paying the price for actions they never took.
Even after enduring such harshness from nature, we hardly take the time to think, introspect, and work towards lasting change for the future. People seem to turn a deaf ear to these issues, showing little concern for their own future and the generations to come. We harm nature in every possible way, and despite being the most advanced generation to date, we have significantly impacted the environment. Sadly, we have become increasingly ignorant, barely acknowledging the damage we cause—even through our smallest actions.
Through this platform, I once again urge everyone to be more aware and cautious when interacting with nature. Do not harm it; instead, always strive to protect it. A collective effort can help us rejuvenate the environment, ensuring it remains safe and secure for future generations.
I have shared the hardships we faced over the past year, hoping to express myself in a way that encourages people to care about the climate and the pressing issue of climate change.
Thank you.