The article discusses the environmental challenges faced by the residents of Grace Valley in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, particularly the issue of deforestation. Umar Hussain, a local resident, and other community members rely heavily on firewood for cooking and heating due to limited access to electricity. The region has seen a significant decrease in forest cover, exacerbated by timber smuggling and population growth. Local officials, including forests minister Akmal Sargala and conservator forest Mir Naseer, acknowledge the problem and suggest that providing low-cost electricity or alternative fuel sources could help preserve the remaining forests. The article also highlights the impact of deforestation on women, who are the primary gatherers of firewood, and the increase in human-wildlife conflicts, particularly with common leopards. The article emphasizes the urgent need for alternative energy solutions to prevent further environmental degradation.

The article discusses the unexpected summer snowstorm in the Neelum Valley and other parts of Kashmir, which led to the death of thousands of livestock, affecting the livelihood of local herders. Saddaqat Hussan Shah of the Neelum Valley Development Board and Akhtar Ayub from the District Disaster Management Authority provided details on the impact. Meteorologists like Sardar Sarfraz linked the phenomenon to climate change, citing the rarity of June snowfalls. The article also covers the response from the sheep husbandry department and the Environment Protection Agency, as well as the personal experiences of herders like Chaudhry Shabbir and Assadullah Chopan. The piece highlights the broader implications of climate change on traditional herding practices and the unpreparedness of communities for such extreme weather events.

The article discusses the environmental and social challenges faced by the residents of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, particularly in the Neelum district's Grace Valley. The region is experiencing significant deforestation, with forest cover decreasing from 45.9% to 39.3% between 2000 and 2020. The local population, which has doubled since 1981, relies heavily on firewood for cooking and heating due to limited access to electricity. This has led to illegal timber smuggling and increased pressure on the forests. The Protection Forest Committee has been formed to combat smuggling, but stopping locals from using wood as fuel remains a challenge. Deforestation is also causing a rise in temperatures, water stress, and human-wildlife conflicts, particularly with common leopards. Women are disproportionately affected as they have to travel further to collect firewood. The article suggests that providing alternative energy sources could alleviate the pressure on the forests.

The article by Sajid Mir discusses the environmental crisis in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, where deforestation is rampant due to the local population's reliance on wood for fuel. The region's forest cover has significantly decreased from 2000 to 2020, with the Neelum district being heavily affected. Timber smuggling and population growth are exacerbating the issue. The lack of alternative energy sources forces residents to cut down trees for cooking and heating, leading to environmental degradation and increased human-wildlife conflicts. Women, in particular, are affected as they spend more time collecting firewood, which also exposes them to risks. Local officials and environmental agencies acknowledge the problem and stress the need for alternative energy solutions to preserve the remaining forests.

The article discusses the impact of an unusual summer snowstorm in the Neelum Valley and the wider Kashmir region, which resulted in the loss of livestock for local pastoralists. Saddaqat Hussan Shah of the Neelum Valley Development Board and Akhtar Ayub from the District Disaster Management Authority provided details on the losses. Pastoralists like Chaudhry Shabbir and Shah Zaman shared their personal experiences of the snowstorm, which killed a significant number of their animals. The article also touches on the lack of weather observatories in the mountains, the response from the sheep husbandry department, and comments from experts like Irfan Rashid and Sardar Sarfraz on the potential link to climate change. The article concludes with a cultural perspective on how herders perceive such extreme weather events.

The article discusses the unexpected summer snowfall in the Neelum Valley and South Kashmir, which has had a devastating impact on local pastoralists. In June, heavy snowfall resulted in the death of thousands of livestock, a situation that was unprecedented for the herders who were unprepared for such an event. The snowfall affected both sides of the Kashmir region, which is divided between India and Pakistan. Local authorities and experts have linked the unusual weather to climate change, although some officials are hesitant to definitively attribute it to climate change without further evidence. The article also touches on the challenges faced by herders who are unfamiliar with the concept of climate change and instead interpret the events through the lens of faith.

The article focuses on the life-changing impact of trout fish farming on the rural communities of Neelum Valley in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. Bakht Jan and her husband, Mirza Abdul Rasheed, faced financial difficulties after his retirement from the Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries Department. However, they were able to establish a successful trout fish farm with the department's financial assistance. The article highlights the federal government-funded project aimed at promoting trout farming as a sustainable source of income and nutrition for the locals. It details the potential for fish culture in AJK, the investments made by the government and private sector, and the expected income from these initiatives. The story of Bakht Jan, who now sells trout online and has financial security for her family's future, exemplifies the positive outcomes of the project.

The article discusses the Sheshar festival, a centuries-old cultural event celebrated in the Kashmir region to mark the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The festival involves local rituals such as collecting old shoes from households, which symbolize the removal of hardships endured during winter. This year's festival saw increased participation due to relaxed pandemic protocols. The Pakistan Army and the Neelum Guest House Association organized a fair with various competitions. The article also touches on concerns about cultural erosion and the impact of climate change on the festival's significance. The writer, a freelance environmental journalist, emphasizes the importance of such festivals in fostering community bonds and preserving cultural identity.

The article focuses on the impact of climate change on walnut farming in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), particularly in the villages of Bandi and Leepa. Marium Bibi, a local widow, represents the community of farmers for whom walnut cultivation is a crucial source of income. However, changing weather patterns, including increased rainfall during harvest months, have led to a decline in the quality and price of walnuts. Insect infestations and diseases are also affecting the crops. The local market is further challenged by the import of Chinese walnuts, which are preferred due to their soft shells and white kernels. The article calls for government intervention to address these issues and support the local walnut farming industry.