The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir is bracing for a severe heatwave over the next four days, with temperatures hitting record highs and impacting both daily life and the region's delicate ecosystems.

Srinagar, the summer capital, recorded its second-highest July temperature in a decade at 35.6°C, matching Jammu City’s temperature. Qazigund registered its third all-time highest temperature at 34.2°C.

Other parts of Kashmir, including Pahalgam and Kupwara, also experienced significant temperature increases, with the mercury rising to 29.3°C and 35.0°C, respectively. This heatwave is expected to continue, with weather models forecasting dry conditions and potential record-breaking temperatures.

The ongoing heatwave has exacerbated water scarcity issues, leading to public protests in Baramulla district. Residents, particularly within Pattan jurisdiction, have voiced their concerns over severe water shortages, prompting police to urge people not to block highways.

A recent violent demonstration at Chainabal saw the Srinagar-Baramulla National Highway blocked in protest. In response, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Pattan, Dr Gulzar Ahmed, assured residents that their grievances would be addressed promptly, with water tankers deployed on a roaster basis to mitigate the crisis.

The rising temperatures are also threatening Kashmir’s aquatic life. Experts warn that the heat wave is disrupting the region’s aquatic ecosystems, leading to potential mass fish mortality.

Fish are highly sensitive to changes in water temperature, and the heatwave is causing water levels to drop and oxygen levels to decrease. This hostile environment has already led to incidents of mass fish deaths, with the most recent occurring in the Tsoont Koel stream near Barbar Shah, Srinagar.

Research highlights the deteriorating water quality in lakes such as Dal Lake, where dissolved oxygen levels have fallen drastically due to untreated sewage, agricultural runoff, and industrial waste. The increased biological oxygen demand from pollution, combined with rising temperatures, creates a deadly combination for aquatic life.

Dr. Mehraj Bashir, an ichthyologist, noted that while some fish species can tolerate higher temperatures and pollution levels, the native Schizothorax species is particularly vulnerable and has seen declining numbers.

Meanwhile, despite the severe heatwave, the Education Department in Doda and Kishtwar districts has yet to change school timings, unlike in other parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Education Officer (CEO) Doda, Prakash Lal Thapa, stated that no representations from parents or heads of institutions have been received to prompt a change in school hours, leaving students to endure the harsh conditions.

As the heatwave continues to grip the region, authorities and experts alike are calling for vigilance and immediate measures to mitigate its impact on both human and aquatic life. Relief is expected after July 28, with a forecasted decline in temperatures.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse

SRINAGAR — The indigenous fish breed has been waning in Kashmir with experts saying lack of research and growing pollution are the main reasons for native species' decline.

As per a government document, the indigenous fish species of Kashmir have shown a sharp decline with the result that some of them have become "endangered and threatened".

The major fish fauna of Kashmir water bodies comprises exotic carp (Cyprinus Carpio) and indigenous Schizothorax species. However, the indigenous fish species Schizothorax have shown a decline in production.

“This local species, which is cold and clean water-loving, finds it difficult to cope up with the problem of eutrophication in water bodies,” an official at the Fisheries Department told news agency KINS.

The government document says that some exotics, especially the common carp (Cyprinus, Caripiovar, Specularis, and Cyprinus Caripiovar, Communis) have adopted well in Kashmir and are the most suitable cultivable fish species.

Tahir Ahmad, a researcher gives varied reasons for the decline in native fish species. He said, “We have not done much research on local breeds, unlike exotic species whose production is increasing. We don’t have the technology to know how to increase the production of local breeds. The indigenous species have not adopted culture well here.”

He, however, said the Fisheries Department has no data available about the number of indigenous fish in water bodies of Kashmir. “Fish species have also been affected due to growing pollution in water bodies,” he added.

Meanwhile, a senior official of the Fisheries Department said they have submitted a report to the government on fish production in Kashmir. “We have mentioned what are the constraints we are facing in Kashmir to increase indigenous fish production and what needs to be done,” the official said.

The government document says that aquatic resources have to be free from pollution, encroachment, and from invasive fish species. “A comprehensive plan for giving the boost to the fisheries sector is needed in the state,” it added.

The total fish production of 19850 tons of J&K forms less than 1 per cent of the country’s fish production. J&K is importing 11000 quintals of fish annually to meet the needs of the Union Territory.

The total fish demand of J&K is 163136.97 tonnes but Jammu and Kashmir is deficient at 143286.97 tonnes in fish production.

This post first appeared on The Kashmir Pulse