Himalayan region faces extreme weather and river pollution

The Himalayan region is experiencing a rise in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, specifically cloudbursts and flash floods. In Jammu and Kashmir, recent cloudbursts in areas such as Kishtwar’s Chatroo, Gurez Valley, Kupwara, and Bandipora have caused significant damage to roads, farmland, and public infrastructure. Similar patterns of unpredictable, intense rainfall and sudden flooding have been observed in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.

Parallel to these weather-related disasters, the region faces a severe environmental crisis regarding water quality. An official report, "Polluted River Stretches for Restoration of Water Quality – 2025," indicates that 22 out of 52 monitored locations across 13 rivers failed to meet water quality standards. The Jhelum River is particularly affected, with a highly polluted stretch identified from the confluence of Vishav Nallah to downstream Baramulla. This pollution is attributed to untreated sewage, poor waste management, and commercial effluents, threatening drinking water, agriculture, and local ecosystems.