Srinagar: Normal life in Kashmir was severely disrupted on Saturday due to moderate to heavy snowfall across the valley. The snowstorm, which began on Friday, blanketed the region, impacting transportation, power supply, and daily activities.
Srinagar, experiencing its first snowfall of the season, recorded eight inches of snow, while Ganderbal and Sonamarg reported similar accumulations. Heavy snowfall was reported in the southern districts, with Anantnag receiving 17 inches in the plains and over two feet in higher areas. Tourist destinations like Pahalgam recorded 18 inches of snow. Kulgam and Shopian districts saw 18 to 25 inches and 18 inches, respectively.
In north Kashmir, Bandipora plains received four inches of snow, while areas like Gurez saw up to ten inches. Baramulla and Kupwara recorded light to moderate snowfall, with Kupwara receiving up to two inches in its plains. Gulmarg, a popular ski destination, recorded 15 inches of fresh snow.
Transportation comes to a halt
Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, a critical road link, was closed due to heavy snow near the Navyug Tunnel. Efforts to clear the highway are ongoing, but officials advised travelers to wait for weather conditions to improve. Train services between Banihal and Baramulla were also suspended due to snow accumulation on the tracks.
Air travel was similarly affected, with about 80% of flights from Srinagar airport canceled. Although the runway was cleared, operations could only resume with better weather conditions.
Power and communication disruptions
The snowfall disrupted power supply in several areas. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reported that 41 power feeders at the 33 KV level and 739 at the 11 KV level were down. Restoration work is underway and authorities expect most feeders to be operational by evening.
District authorities launched snow clearance operations, prioritizing main roads and hospital routes. However, many interior roads remained blocked, causing inconvenience to residents. Motorists faced challenges due to slippery roads and power outages added to the woes.
The heavy snowfall forced Kashmir University to postpone all exams scheduled for Saturday. New dates will be announced later. Despite the disruptions, minimum temperatures across the valley improved, with Srinagar recording a low of -1°C, a significant rise from -7.3°C earlier.
The region is currently experiencing Chillai-Kalan, the harshest 40-day period of winter. This phase, which began on December 21, is marked by freezing temperatures and frequent snowfall. It will continue till January 30, followed by milder cold spells in Chillai-Khurd and Chillai-Bachha.
