Weather pattern disruptions

Kalam Valley magnet for winter tourism is witnessing significant decline in visitors due to delayed onset of snowfall

The uncharacteristic absence of snowfall in the northern regions of Pakistan has unleashed a cascade of challenges with far-reaching implications for the local economy and environment. As winter takes an unexpected turn, it exposes vulnerabilities that go beyond the aesthetic charm.

Kalam Valley, a magnet for winter tourism, is witnessing a significant decline in visitors due to the delayed onset of snowfall. The economic backbone of the region, reliant on tourism, faces a severe setback with vacant streets and hotels. The shortfall in tourist numbers not only impacts the hospitality sector but also disrupts agriculture, fishing and hydroelectricity, painting a brown and barren outlook in contrast to the usual winter splendour. Malam Jabba too echoes the economic woes as hotels lay vacant, and businesses stand idle. Local hotel owners are reporting a substantial drop in tourist numbers compared to the previous year, bringing to light the indispensable role of snowfall in sustaining the local economy. Beyond economic concerns, the consequences extend to the broader Gilgit-Baltistan region, raising alarms about potential calamities. The customary snow seasons, vital for maintaining water resources and averting flash floods, have been disrupted. The lack of expected snowfall raises fears of water scarcity and glacial lake outburst floods. The situation is a stark reminder that the economic lifeline of these regions is intricately tied to the whims of weather patterns.

As the local communities grapple with uncertainties brought on by these climatic anomalies, the pressing need for snowfall is not just a plea for economic revival but a call for restoring the ecological equilibrium. The current situation requires collective efforts to address climate-related challenges and introduce sustainable practices in the face of evolving weather patterns.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 26^th, 2024.

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