Jan. 16, 2024: Despite concerns about adverse effects on agricultural practices in the upcoming season due to the lack of snowfall, life for the people of Ladakh has temporarily eased due to uninterrupted traffic on the Zojila Pass.

Zojila, one of the highest motorable roads, situated at 11,575 feet, links Ladakh Union Territory to the rest of the world and usually remains closed for several months during the harsh winter solstice due to heavy snowfall. However, this year, with the change in weather and the absence of snowfall, Zojila remained open even on January 15.

Normally, snow falls in December in Ladakh, and in the context of the Kargil district, it typically continues until March. The continuous dry spell this winter season has kept Zojila Pass open, bringing both joy and concern to the general public.

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The opening of the pass has benefited the general public in several ways. People can now travel to other cities for better healthcare facilities, recreational tours, and educational migrations. The uninterrupted transport movement has facilitated the easy delivery of daily essentials, ensuring groceries are readily available during the winter months compared to the last few years.

In previous years, the early closure of the pass led to shortages of basic essential items, particularly onions, vegetable oils, fresh fruits, green vegetables, and other daily necessities. This shortage eventually caused inflation in prices. Regarding meat, the general public was compelled to consume frozen meats.

However, the dry spell this winter has raised concerns among the locals, especially the farmers of the region. In Ladakh, agricultural fields depend on glacier water, and this dry spell and warm weather result in the rapid melting of glaciers. The glaciers are also not replenishing due to the dry spell. There is fear among the general public that this will lead to shortages of water, grass, and other basic necessities in the summer months.

Experts attribute this change to climate change caused by global warming, while another section considers it a natural calamity. In response, several villages have organized special prayer sessions, pleading for snowfall.

Sayeeda Banoo

Sayeeda Banoo holds a Master's degree in Political Science and currently serves as a reporter with the Voice of Ladakh.