Chandigarh, March 3: A shrinking winter and the near-total disappearance of the spring season have pushed Chandigarh into a premature summer, raising concerns among environmentalists and residents alike. With temperatures projected to hit 32°C within the next three days, the city is witnessing a shift where cold winter days are replaced by extreme heat in a matter of weeks.
Environmental experts asserted that while the spring equinox is officially weeks away, the biological cycle of the city’s flora has already shifted to summer. Harminder Pal Singh of Panjab University declared that the early rise in mercury is disrupting the time-bound process of pollination. He stated that this phenomenon is not isolated to the region but is part of a global trend where summer is arriving earlier each year.
The India Meteorological Department maintained that the current trend reflects long-term climate variability. “This year there were very few active western disturbances which affected the region,” affirmed IMD Director Surender Paul. He stated that the lack of cloud cover and rain has allowed the city to “bake” in temperatures usually not seen until mid-March.
While the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation’s horticulture division affirmed that the longer summer might benefit the growth of certain city trees, other officials are calling for a more detailed assessment. UT Chief Conservator of Forests Saurabh Kumar declared that a holistic study is required to understand the full impact of the shortened spring on the city’s ecosystem.
“On the road leading from Tribune Chowk to Transport Chowk, one side of mango trees which get sun have started flowering while the other side is dry,” Singh asserted, highlighting the visible impact of the erratic weather.
