Whatever reasons the environmentalists attribute to this dry weather condition in the valley during Chilay-Kalan. Wali Kaa’kh, the elderly figure, expresses profound concern for the adverse weather conditions during Chillai-Kalan. While environmentalists may attribute the dry spell to various factors, Wali Kaa’kh sees it as a consequence of humanity’s disconnect with nature. In his contemplative reflection, he emphasizes the need for introspection and a reconsideration of our relationship with the environment.
In the postmodern era, human achievements like towering buildings, altered river courses, and technological innovations evoke pride. However, Wali Kaa’kh mourns the dark side of progress, pointing out the collective human tendency towards greed, selfishness, and an irresponsible attitude. He decries the ongoing war against nature, evident in the depletion of forests, encroachment on water bodies and grazing lands, and the misuse of pesticides, which all contribute to ecological imbalance.
No doubt, in this postmodern stage, we feel proud to erect sky-touching buildings, change the direction of rivers, establish tunnels or bridges through mountain peaks and oceans, and invent missiles and machines. But, Alas! Our individual and collective odd actions and irresponsible attitude led us into deep chaos and confusion. We became greedy and selfish. We have started a war against nature. Exploring nature and the utilization of natural resources for sustainable development is in no way wrong. It should be done judiciously but unfortunately, we are doing quite averse of it. we are shrinking forest areas in the name of development, encroaching water bodies, grazing lands – Kahcharia, snatching the rights of both land and aquatic animals. We make excessive use of pesticides and fungicides without caring about its impact on other living species. Food adulteration, sale of fictitious drugs, unnecessary prescription of medical tests by so-called doctors, the rising graph of drug abuse, growing immorality, cursing forefathers in the backdrop of the claim that they did nothing good for society, religious intolerance, and corruption have become a mere matter of the course.
The shrinking forest areas, disappearing water bodies, and overuse of chemicals have detrimental effects on the ecosystem, impacting both flora and fauna. He also draws attention to societal issues such as food adulteration, the sale of counterfeit drugs, and the rising instances of drug abuse and immorality.
The elderly figure expresses concern about the consequences of this irresponsible behavior on the region’s economy, heavily reliant on agriculture, horticulture, and tourism. The picturesque landscapes of snow-capped mountains, flowing rivers, freshwater lakes, and green pastures are not just aesthetic but integral to Kashmir’s identity. Wali Kak paints a vivid picture of a paradise in crisis due to the current dry climatic conditions, threatening the livelihoods and well-being of the local population.
Our economy which is mostly based on agriculture, horticulture, and tourism will be affected. Snow-capped mountains, flowing rivers, freshwater lakes, wells, green pastures, apple plants laden with fruits, and saffron fields glittering like golden sheets, tourist destinations packed with local and foreign tourists. This is the real identity of Kashmir which is currently in deep crisis due to this dry climatic condition. This crucial phase of winter without rain and snow is not a good omen.
Such words carry a plea for collective repentance and forgiveness, urging people to introspect and rectify their actions. He emphasizes the urgent need for positive changes in individual attitudes to safeguard the region’s future. The consequences of continued irresponsible behavior, he warns, will not only affect the environment but also have a cascading impact on the economy and, consequently, the overall well-being of the community.
In his hopeful plea for rain and snow, Wali Kak envisions a collective effort to restore the glory of Kashmir. The paradise he describes, with its abundant natural beauty and thriving tourism, is at risk, and he believes that only through a transformation in human behavior can the region regain its former splendor.
As Wali Kak gazes through the window with hopeful eyes, his prayer for rain and snow becomes a metaphor for the collective yearning to revive the once-lush landscapes of Kashmir. His message transcends the immediate environmental concerns, resonating as a call to action for a broader societal transformation towards sustainability and responsible stewardship of the natural world.
Haroon Rashid Bhat is a teacher. He can be mailed at minamharoon123@gmail.com
