Chillai Kalan checks in

Srinagar, Dec 20: Chillai Kalan has booked a 40-day stay in Kashmir.

The upper reaches of Kashmir on Saturday witnessed the season’s fresh snowfall as flakes began falling over Sonamarg, Zojila, Drass, and Razdan Top, marking the first significant spell of Chillai Kalan.

The Bandipora-Gurez Road was already closed after snowfall along the Razdan belt.

Officials said it has been snowing in the higher reaches, leading to slippery stretches and a drop in temperature across surrounding areas.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib urged people to take precautions during the harsh winter phase, advising the public to handle electric and heating appliances carefully and avoid overloading to prevent fire incidents.

She said the administration is fully geared to respond to weather related challenges and stressed the need for safe use of heating devices during the peak winter period.

Weather forecasts indicate that several higher reaches may witness further accumulation over the next 48 hours.

According to early assessments, Razdan Top and Sadhna Top may receive up to 2 feet of snow, while Zojila, Sinthan, Margan, and Peer Ki Gali are expected to record moderate accumulation.

Light to moderate snowfall is also likely in destinations like Sonamarg, Gulmarg, Doodhpathri, and Pahalgam.

Authorities said field teams are monitoring the situation, and road clearance operations will be initiated once the snowfall stabilizes.

Kashmiris have been looking to the skies with hope as Chillai Kalan, the 40-day period of intense winter cold, begins on Sunday, with the Meteorological Department (MeT) forecasting rain in the plains and moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir.

The MeT said a wet spell is likely from Saturday night through Sunday, coinciding with the onset of Chillai Kalan, which traditionally lasts from December 21 to January 29 and is marked by the harshest winter conditions of the season.

Authorities in the northern districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora have issued advisories urging residents in higher reaches to avoid unnecessary travel due to the possibility of heavy snowfall.

The anticipated rain and snow are expected to break a dry spell that has persisted for over two months, raising concerns about falling water levels and deteriorating air quality across Kashmir.

Doctors said that prolonged dry weather has led to a rise in chest-related ailments, coughs, and common colds, as air pollution levels increased due to higher concentrations of suspended particulate matter.

Rain and snowfall are likely to help wash away pollutants, improving air quality, they said.

The lack of snowfall so far this winter has also affected tourism, particularly at the ski resort of Gulmarg, where the absence of snow has dampened prospects ahead of the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Chillai Kalan plays a crucial role in replenishing water reservoirs in the higher reaches, sustaining rivers, streams, and lakes during the summer months.

Insufficient snowfall during winter often leads to drought-like conditions later in the year.

Most local water bodies are currently flowing at very low discharge due to the extended dry spell.

Meanwhile, night temperatures remained below normal in several parts of the Valley.

Pulwama recorded the season’s lowest minimum at minus 3.2 degrees Celsius, while Srinagar registered minus 0.4 degrees, an improvement from the previous night.

Pahalgam recorded minus 1 degree, Kupwara minus 0.7 degrees Celsius and Gulmarg settled above freezing at 2 degrees Celsius.

A thick layer of fog engulfed Srinagar and the surrounding areas on Saturday morning, particularly near water bodies.

In the Jammu region, Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 9.3 degrees Celsius, while Katra recorded 10 degrees Celsius, Batote 9.3 degrees Celsius, Banihal 3.8 degrees Celsius, and Bhaderwah 4.4 degrees Celsius.

Meteorologists said chances of snowfall are highest and most frequent during Chillai Kalan, with temperatures expected to drop sharply across the region in the coming days.