RAINS IN KASHMIR
“With the sound of gushing water, aroma of pine trees, the vibrancy of saffron, rise of azaan and an unfathomable calling, Kashmir surprises everyone”
Beautiful blue rain-washed skies, lush green hills, clear tinkling streams and towering snow – capped mountains. The beauty of Kashmir valley is the main reason for rulers wanting to call Kashmir their own. The Kashmir valley is located in the midst of Himalayan, Pir Panjal & Karakoram ranges. These mountain ranges combined with the altitude of Kashmir valley give Kashmir the distinctive climate of four seasons and the gift of abundance.
The rains in Kashmir are perennial, which means it rains throughout the year. There are several lakes in Kashmir valley fed by the under water streams. The abundance of rain water in Kashmir is ultimately translated into perennial rivers which feed not only the entire state of J&K but also parts of Pakistan & Punjab. The hydro electric power projects along these rivers ensure production of electricity enough for supply to the entire state. The combination of natural beauty, natural resources and advent of modern technology make Kashmir an ideal project for devp schemes and enhancement of tourism.
During the last decade, the global warming effects had slowly but surely started creeping over the Kashmir valley. However, the J&K state govt has started afforestation efforts in earnest for maintaining the green cover of the valley. The horrendous floods of Kashmir had forced the state administration to wake up and admit the adverse effects of rampant deforestation and take appropriate steps to counter the
The rains form an integral part of the Kashmir culture and lifestyle. For the residents of local villages in the valley, the rains are the source of livelihood, agriculture, sheep rearing and day to day sustenance. The staple food of the Kashmiri people is rice, which grows in plenty due to the sufficient rains. The Himalayan ranges are primarily responsible for stopping the south westerly winds and providing the valley with year round rainfall which convers into shortfall during the winters.
O darling…….Kashmir
This rain away from you
is so hard.
It makes me breathe love,
For that
twilight march rain of yours.
Admist the “maghrib azaan” from the modest
loudspeaker of my masjid.
Making those new chinar leaves rustle and flutter in life.
The beauty of Kashmir valley, its gushing rivers, gurgling streams, vast lakes, clear skies, towering conifers and the plentiful life are the blessing of the Rains of Kashmir.
