High temperature, humidity
MASROOR AHMAD
SRINAGAR: Kashmir is facing an unprecedented heat wave and record breaking temperatures are being witnessed in the Valley, including hilly areas and famous tourist destinations.
According to MET officials the summer season in the months of June and July this year is breaking all previous records. Srinagar recorded a temperature of around 36 degree Celsius recently-highest in the past 25 years.
The heat wave is not only affecting local populace and tourism sector but animals and birds also, which include water bodies and aquatic species. They are also suffering with extensive heat and pollution. In Srinagar, thousands of fish have been found dead in a local stream Tsoont Koel near Barbar Shah area of Srinagar with officials citing lack of oxygen and pollution as the reason.
According to the officials, the primary cause is the depletion of oxygen in the water bodies. “This is a common occurrence during the summer months,” an official from the Fisheries Department said.
He said the high temperatures and humidity has led to reduced oxygen levels in the water, which is fatal for fish.
“Pollution also plays a significant role in exacerbating the situation. Waste disposal and contaminants from surrounding areas further degrade water quality, intensifying the depletion of oxygen,” he added.
Meanwhile, local residents have expressed anguish over the occurrence of deaths of fish and stated that it will impact the livelihood of those dependent on fishing.
“This is not just about the death of fish, it’s about the entire ecological balance and our means of sustenance being threatened,” said a local resident. Earlier in the year 2023, thousands of fish were found dead in the world famous Dal Lake in Srinagar, with experts saying that the mass death took place due to thermal stratification. However, experts said the fish could have died due to low concentration of oxygen in the lake.
“The pollution and increase of weeds decreases concentration of oxygen in a lake,” he said, adding that it has also happened in Nigeen Lake in the past as well.
