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Summer-like temperatures in spring severely impacts every aspect of life, especially food grain production and upsets the cycle of seasons. The ‘Queen of Hills’ Shimla witnessed an unprecedented maximum temperature of above 22 degree celsius in the month of February. Temperatures in the northern plains of the country which tend to be cooler till the first part of March has already crossed 30 degree celsius mark. East and south India are also feeling the heat and in the coastal states of western India the temperature is 5-10 degrees higher than normal since the beginning of February. The possibility of temperatures going up further has not been ruled out by the meteorological department. Such high temperatures may also cause forest fires and in the process increase emission of greenhouse gases. These developments are a harsh reminder of a grim future ahead which could likely be marked by frequent natural calamities like floods, avalanches, landslides, etc. Already, a report has claimed that nine Indian states namely Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab and Kerala are at risk of climate change hazards.
The immediate victim of higher temperatures is the Rabi crop, like wheat, which is sown in winter and harvested in spring. Excessive temperatures during harvesting season results in lesser yields, which in turn will create shortage of food and inflation. Higher food inflation rate is bound to disturb all economic calculations. At the same time, high temperatures will also cause water resources to dry up, which will adversely affect the production of Kharif crops that also need uninterrupted water supply for rich yields. There is no gainsaying that low agricultural yield will hamper the country’s economic growth and increase the misery of the common people to an unbearable level. So, such a possibility should be averted at any cost to avoid a famine-like situation in the country. On its part, the authorities concerned should take on the dual responsibilities of protecting farmers from losses and also ensure a steady supply of food grains to the market.
Climate change is no longer just a threat, it’s a reality now. The world famous canals in Venice are drying up; France is staring at an unprecedented drought. California is battling against record-breaking snow and rain. Glaciers are melting fast and avalanches are destroying lives and properties. The weather in Europe has undergone a sea change during the last few years. In India, average maximum temperature in at least seven Indian states have touched the level usually seen in March, while higher temperatures have been recorded in ten other states. So, out of 29 states of the country, 17 have already been affected by global warming. If one takes into consideration the unseasonal snowfall in north Sikkim, the number will become 18. Thus, it’s high time to implement policies and projects, which were announced earlier, in-order to negate the impact of climate change.