Rawlakot, Azad Kashmir: Rawlakot and beautiful city and the capital of Poonch district in Pakistan-administered Kashmir has long been celebrated for its alpine charm and cooler climate. However, residents and experts now warn that the region’s environmental equilibrium is unraveling, with rising temperatures, erratic weather, and deforestation reshaping its identity.
Rising Temperatures: A Two-Degree Shift
Over the past 50 years, Rawlakot and surrounding areas have witnessed a 2°C temperature increase, according to local meteorological data shared by a senior journalist from Muzaffarabad. This aligns with broader trends in the Kashmir Himalayas, where temperatures have risen by 1.2°C over the last century, outpacing global averages .
This winter, Rawlakot’s famed cold spell traditionally marked by heavy snowfall has been replaced by unseasonal warmth.
Similar patterns are observed across Jammu Kashmir, the Chillai Kalan (40-day harsh winter) has grown milder, with snowless peaks and dwindling glacier reserves threatening water security .
Deforestation: A Silent Culprit
Once blanketed by dense forests, Azad Jammu Kashmir’s tree cover has plummeted from 40% to 11% since the mid-20th century, exacerbating environmental degradation.
Unregulated logging and a lack of sustainable alternatives for local communities have accelerated soil erosion and reduced rainfall retention .
Environmentalist Dr. Rakshanda emphasized, “Without empowering locals with green livelihoods, deforestation will persist as a survival strategy.”
Rawalakot Weather
2025 has brought unprecedented heatwaves to Rawlakot, with temperatures soaring beyond historical norms.
Impacts on Livelihoods and Ecosystems
The changing climate has disrupted agriculture, a lifeline for Rawlakot’s economy. Erratic snowfall now occurring as late as April has damaged cherry, almond, and saffron blooms, once synonymous with Kashmir’s agrarian prosperity .
Glacial retreat in the Himalayas, including the Kolahoi Glacier (which lost 18% of its volume since 1980), further jeopardizes water supplies for irrigation and hydropower .
Local Responses and Global Challenges
Community-led initiatives are emerging to combat the crisis. Reforestation drives and awareness campaigns aim to restore green cover, while farmers experiment with drought-resistant crops.
However, experts stress that local efforts alone are insufficient. “Mountain regions like Kashmir contribute minimally to global emissions but bear the brunt of climate impacts,” said glaciologist Shakil Khan .
Pakistan’s vulnerability underscores the need for international climate financing. At COP30, advocates will push for loss-and-damage funds to support adaptation in it’s administered regions like Azad Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan where water scarcity and extreme weather loom large .
A Call to Action
Rawlakot’s plight reflects a global paradox: those least responsible for climate change suffer its harshest consequences.
As temperatures rise and glaciers vanish, the urgency for coordinated action from local reforestation to global policy shifts has never been greater. For now, Rawlakot’s residents brace for an uncertain future, hoping their paradise can still be saved.
