Summertime woes

Like the rest of India, which has been experiencing the impact of global warming, Nagaland and particularly the foothill areas continue to be laden with heavy rains, heat and humidity especially during the Months of June, July and with August likely to be the hottest and most humid . Heavy rain has hit several places in the state causing floods or landslides. This is the net effect of what is today known as “global warming on the climate”. In other parts of India such as Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and even Rajasthan, heavy rains have caused rivers to cause flooding of cities. The national capital Delhi experienced one of the worst ever flood in recent memory when the river Yamuna rose above the danger mark. The Yamuna’s water level in Delhi, which dipped slightly by July end, after causing flooding at several areas, is expected to rise again, the Central Water Commission said. The river continues to flow above the danger mark of 205.33 metres. On July 13, Yamuna recorded a height of 208.66m above the danger mark and surpassed its previous record of 207.49m set in September 1978. The flood breached embankments and penetrated deeper into the city than it has in more than four decades. Delhi and its adjoining areas are also witnessing a sudden surge in the number of Conjunctivitis and Dengue cases. Climate change is not only about discomfort or hazards or affect on tourism spots but mainly about impact on agriculture cropsDeforestation has had a huge impact in Nagaland and leaving the indelible mark evidenced by denuded hills and encroached reserved forests which all bear mute testimony. When a natural forest is felled; what is lost is the ecological system, including rare species of flora and fauna. What replaces it is a monoculture plantation of fast-growing species. Thus the policy of afforestation with fast growing and commercial species etc is unhelpful. of India has led to climate disasters as per some experts. India is a disaster prone area, with the statistics of 27 out of 35 states being disaster prone, with foods being the most frequent disasters. The process of global warming has led to an increase in the frequency and intensity of these climatic disasters. Globally, it was also noted that the recent rate of sea level rise has nearly tripled compared with 1901-1971. That is why many countries, especially those low lying areas experienced floods. Warmer temperatures cause glaciers to flow more quickly. Many of the glaciers flow toward the ocean, breaking into huge chunks that fall into the water. More glaciers are melting into the ocean, and the global sea level is rising. Sea level rise is another clue that the Earth’s climate is getting warmer. Also, as the ocean gets warmer, the water actually expands. Scientists have observed that the sea level has risen 7 inches in the last 100 years. People living in foothill areas like Dimapur also face regular and long duration of power cuts which has made it unbearable against the heat and humidity. Added to these problems, the onset of monsoon has also brought in an array of tropical diseases such as malaria, dengue and encephalitis to complete the list of woes.