In the once-lush Doodh Ganga Forest Range of Budgam district, a quiet crisis is unfolding—climate change is ravaging the region’s ecology, and nowhere is this more visible than in the forests of Kairo. Once a thriving ecosystem, Kairo is now turning into a climate emergency zone, with trees rapidly drying up and forests becoming dangerously flammable.

Over the past few years, the Kashmir Valley’s weather patterns have dramatically shifted. Long dry spells, erratic rainfall, rising temperatures, and decreasing humidity have taken a devastating toll on local flora and fauna. In Kairo, the damage is stark: trees are wilting en masse, and the forest floor is now carpeted with brittle, sun-dried leaves. This thick layer of dry foliage has turned the area into a wildfire hazard, where even a minor spark—be it from a cigarette, lightning, or a cooking fire—can spiral into a catastrophic blaze within minutes.

Forest fires have already become more frequent in the region, and controlling them is a nightmare for forest officials. The terrain is rugged, the response resources are limited, and the fires spread rapidly. In their wake, they leave behind not only scorched trees but charred remains of wildlife, destroyed habitats, and poisoned air.

The consequences extend far beyond the trees. The destruction of forests means increased carbon emissions, further accelerating global warming. It disrupts local water sources, destabilizes soil, and increases the risk of landslides and floods. For nearby communities who depend on the forest for shade, grazing, firewood, and water, this is nothing short of a humanitarian issue.

This story is by Mushtaq Ahmad, a Community, Content Creator from Budgam, Kashmir. Learn more about Mushtaq and see other videos of hishere. www.videovolunteers.org

This story is filmed and edited by the community content creator. We bring you unfiltered stories from the deepest, most media-dark areas.

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