What is the minimum temperature in Kashmir and what are the consequences

In Kashmir, the minimum temperature can drop to as low as -10°C during winter. This extreme cold weather brings along several consequences, which can be summarized as follows:

• Freezing of water bodies: The sub-zero temperatures cause lakes, rivers, and other water bodies to freeze, restricting their movement and affecting the ecosystem.
• Disruption of daily life: The freezing temperatures make it difficult for people to carry out their daily activities, as it can cause road blockages, transportation issues, and power outages.
• Agricultural damages: The extreme cold can damage crops, causing a decline in agricultural production and affecting the livelihoods of farmers.
• Health hazards: Frostbite, hypothermia, and respiratory issues become common during such low temperatures, posing health risks to the people of the region.
• Social and economic impact: The freezing temperatures can lead to a decrease in tourism activities, impacting the local economy.
• Increased coal and firewood consumption: To combat the cold, people resort to using coal and firewood as heating sources, resulting in increased air pollution and deforestation.
• Impacts on wildlife: The freezing temperatures affect the natural habitat of various animal species, disrupting their feeding and breeding patterns.

To cope with these consequences, people in Kashmir often rely on alternative heating methods, winter clothing, and resilient infrastructure.