Changing seasons, changing times: A climate reality check for Ukhrul

Addie Chiphang *

Changing seasons, changing times: A climate reality check for Ukhrul :: Pix - TSE

Nestled at 5,453 feet above sea level, Ukhrul - the highest hill station in Manipur - has long been celebrated for its pristine natural beauty, mild temperatures, and lush green landscapes. Geographically located between 24.28° and 25.41° N latitude and 94.45° and 94.80° E longitude, Ukhrul spans an im- pressive 4,544 sq. km and offers a cool, temperate climate, with temperatures ranging between 3°C and 33°C.

For generations, Ukhrul's residents have enjoyed its vibrant natural surroundings, including picturesque attractions such as the Shirui Kashong peak, Khayang Waterfalls, Ang- khoching range and the enchanting Phangrei plateau. Known as "Green Town," Ukhrul embodies the harmony between people and nature.

However, the climate patterns that have defined Ukhrul's seasons for decades are changing - and so too are the lives of its people. In recent years, noticeable shifts in weather patterns have altered everything from daily life to agricultural practices. In a place where farmers and villagers rely on nature's cycles to sustain their livelihoods, the impact of these climate changes has been profound.

Like England's Cherry Blossoms, Ukhrul's cherry flowers once created a captivating spectacle, enchanting onlookers during their blooming season (the beautiful blossoms seen in Spring season and the other blossoms during Autumn season). However, due to human activity and climate change, these beautiful blossoms have significantly declined, leaving fewer to grace the district headquarters this year compared to the past.

Old photographs are now reminders of this vanished beauty, sparking a bittersweet nostalgia. Sadly, it's feared that future generations may never witness the serene, delicate cherry blooms that were once a cherished part of Ukhrul's landscape and environment. The beauty that once painted the hills in pink is now fading, a reminder of the pressing need to protect and preserve our natural surroundings.

A Decade of Transformation in Ukhrul's Climate

Looking back over the past decade, residents and farmers alike have observed significant shifts in Ukhrul's climate. The change became particularly noticeable around 2005-2006, when mosquitoes- rarely seen before in Ukhrul-prompted locals to start using mosquito nets. Since then, warming temperatures and erratic weather have made fans a common sight in homes where cool breezes once sufficed. "Time does really bring changes, and Ukhrul is no exception," one local remarked.

Agriculture, the lifeblood of Ukhrul, has been one of the sectors hit hardest by these changes. Just four years ago, Ukhrul was renowned for producing 80 to 90 metric tonnes of sweet, flavorful squash, proudly celebrated during the annual Ukhrul Squash Festival.

This year, however, production dropped to just 25–40 metric tonnes, an alarming decrease attributed to heavy rainfall and climate-related disruptions. Once the largest squash producer in Manipur, Ukhrul now struggles with dwindling harvests, a situation local farmers directly link to climate change.

Achon Phung, a squash farmer, expressed her disappointment: "Despite our dedication and hard work, this year's squash festival was disheartening. We hoped to produce enough to meet the increasing demand in cities like Delhi, but climate change has affected us deeply." She emphasizes the rising difficulty of cultivating crops in a region where weather has become increasingly unpredictable.

The Growing Impact on Farming and Food Security

As the harvest season begins, local farmers are coming to terms with the repercussions of erratic climate patterns. Seasoned farmer Eno Wungnaongam shares how his paddy fields in three different locations-Khaireng to the east, Lungpor to the south, and Ramrava to the west-have all suffered poor yields this year.

"Unlike previous years, this harvest season has seen decreased yields from all three fields," he explained. Despite planting the same rice variety in the usual quantities, prolonged rainfall and insufficient sunlight stunted the crops' growth. "Climate change has altered seasonal patterns faster than I've ever seen," he added, emphasizing the uncertainty it brings to farming.

Ayie Luithukla, an octogenarian farmer with a wealth of knowledge passed down from previous generations, speaks passionately about the changes she has observed. "I'm not a scientist, but I know the earth and the seasons are changing," she said.

Reflecting on the past, she recounts how Ukhrul was once home to dense forests, diverse wildlife, and bountiful resour- ces. "In our time, there was no shortage of water, trees, wild fruits, animals, or birds. Now, those days feel like stories of another world," she said.

Ayie believes that deforestation and modern consumption habits have played a large role in altering Ukhrul's environment. The once-forested hills are now bare, and the rivers that used to flow robustly throughout the year have diminished. She worries that younger generations and those yet to come will face food and water scarcity if these trends continue.

Cultural Wisdom in Conservation

In Ukhrul's traditional culture, nature was always respected and preserved. The community had clear rules: hunting or disturbing animals during breeding seasons was taboo, and there was a natural balance between people and the environment. However, today's generation does not always follow these practices, which Ayie sees as contributing to the gradual decline in biodiversity. "The scarcity of birds and animals is real, and it affects the climate patterns, even if we don't notice it immediately," she said.

Ukhrul's people have always depended on nature for their livelihoods, from farming to harvesting natural resources. In the past, abundant food and clean water were provided by the surrounding forests and rivers. But in recent years, rapid deforestation and unsustainable practices have disrupted this balance, exacerbating the effects of climate change. As the landscape changes, so too does the climate, resulting in water scarcity, heavier rains, landslides, and more intense heatwaves.

A Call to Action: Protecting Ukhrul's Natural Heritage

The climate challenges Ukhrul faces are a wake-up call for the community and a reminder of the urgent need for environmental conservation. Rising tempera- tures and unpredictable rainfall are not merely seasonal inconveniences; they are reshaping the landscape and livelihoods that have sustained Ukhrul's people for centuries. As the cycles of nature grow more erratic, there is a pressing need for awareness and action to address climate change locally.

One solution lies in reforestation and responsible land management. By restoring forests and preserving watersheds, Ukhrul's people can help counteract some of the harmful effects of climate change. Public awareness campaigns, community-driven conservation efforts, and support for sustainable agricultural practices are also essential steps.

In addition, farmers must be equipped with the resources and knowledge needed to adapt to new climate realities. With proper training, farmers can learn methods of resilient farming that allow them to cope with erratic weather. By adopting crop rotation, sustainable irrigation techniques, and soil conservation methods, they can mitigate some of the challenges posed by climate change.

A Future in Balance with Nature

Ukhrul's story is not just about climate change; it's about resilience and adaptability. The people of Ukhrul are finding ways to cope with changing seasons, and their willingness to learn and adapt is key to safeguarding their future. However, if climate trends continue unchecked, future generations may face even greater challenges.

For Ukhrul's elders like Ayie Luithukla, the shifting climate is a signal to return to a time-honored respect for nature. "This earth is our only home," she says, "and we must care for it as it has cared for us." She hopes that younger generations will embrace the traditional wisdom of conservation and learn from the environmental stewardship that was once a way of life.

As Ukhrul faces a future shaped by climate change, the path forward is clear: respect for nature, a commitment to sustainable practices, and community action can help preserve this beautiful hill station for generations to come. The time to act is now, and Ukhrul's people are determined to meet this challenge head-on. By working together, they hope to protect their home, their livelihoods, and their way of life from the unprecedented challenges posed by a warming world.

(This Article is written under the joint initiative of
Media Resource Centre,
Directorate of Environment and Climate Change
GOI
and
Ukhrul District Working Journalist Association)