Anchar Lake plays a silent but critical role. It absorbs excess water during heavy rainfall. It supports migratory birds. It stabilizes the local climate. Its loss would ripple far beyond its shoreline. At first light, Anchar Lake looks calm. The water barely ripples, trapped beneath thick mats of weeds and floating waste. Located in the […]
From Lifeline to Loss: The Slow Death of Anchar Lake in Srinagar Read More »
Unlike fire-adapted ecosystems, most Himalayan forests are ecologically sensitive to repeated burning. Pine forests, in particular, accumulate thick layers of dry needles that act as surface fuel, allowing fires to spread rapidly during dry and windy conditions. Climate variability has further increased the flammability of forests. Forest fires have emerged as one of the most
How Forest Fires Are Threatening Wildlife in Kashmir’s Himalayas Read More »
His work involves high-risk encounters with venomous species. These include the Levantine Viper, one of the most dangerous species in Kashmir. Manzoor has rescued at least 30 of them. He has also handled the Himalayan Pit Viper and the deadly Russell’s Viper. In one year alone, Manzoor rescued 196 snakes across multiple districts, an extraordinary
Inside Kashmir’s Snake Rescue Story: Manzoor Ahmad Reshi Read More »
Sparrow’s disappearance has not been a sudden catastrophe. It is a slow erosion, unfolding over several decades, driven by changes in housing patterns, food availability, agricultural practices, and possibly electromagnetic radiation. What makes this decline particularly worrying is that sparrows are an indicator species — their well-being reflects the health of local ecosystems. When these
The Vanishing Sparrow of Kashmir: Causes and Recovery Read More »
With the ecological changes in the lake, the livelihoods of fishermen have also transformed. Their profession remains, their skill remains, their devotion remains, but their days are longer, their searches wider, and their catches lighter. Dal Lake is more than a postcard of Kashmir—it is a living world of memories, livelihoods, and quiet moments that
Kashmir’s Dal Lake: How Fishermen Navigate a Changing Ecology Read More »
As the shepherds struggle against nature, another silent challenge is the rise of synthetic and adulterated wool. Imported low-cost fibres such as acrylic and polyester now flood local markets and are sold under the label of “Kashmiri wool.” This industrial imitation has eroded demand for locally produced wool. These synthetic alternatives, being cheaper and easier
Whispers of Wool: The Untold Story of Sheep Farmers in Kashmir Read More »
To the people of Kashmir, the Hangul was not just a species — it was the spirit of the forest, the silent rhythm of nature’s harmony. Yet today, that call grows rare. The decline of the Hangul is both an ecological and emotional tragedy. Once a living emblem of the valley’s abundance, the species now
Saving the Hangul: Restoring the Pride of Kashmir’s Vanishing Monarch Read More »
Over 70% of rural households have suffered losses due to wild animals. Leopards and Himalayan black bears account for most livestock attacks, while monkeys, porcupines, and wild boars ravage crops such as maize, apples, and vegetables. The damage is deep and personal. Crop losses at times reach 30% of annual yield, forcing families to abandon
