Kashmir Sees Season's First Snowfall: Higher Reaches Covered In White

As the harshest 40-day winter period, Chillai-Kalan knocked on the doors of Kashmir along with Ladakh with fresh snowfall across its higher reaches, and rains in plains marking ending 2 month long dry spell of Jammu and Kashmir. 

Snowfall began early this morning and is continuing in the upper reaches. Gulmarg had Fresh snowfall with approximately 2 inches of accumulation recorded by mid-morning. While a significant accumulation of snow has been noted at Sadhna Top, Sinthan Top, and peer ki gali peeks had around 6 inches. while other Plains & Srinagar had light rainfall. The Meteorological Department predicts a possible transition to snowfall in these areas over the next 48 hours as temperatures drop. 

Snowfall arrived in Kashmir coinciding with the first day, "Chillai-Kalan," starting December 21, the harshest 40 days of winter in Kashmir. with hope that January will have heavy snowfall, as predicted by IMD is ideal for skiing and snowboarding in Gulmarg.

As the snow accumulated in higher reaches, authorities closed the hilly roads like Bandipora-Gurez road, Mughal Road, and Sinthan Pass for vehicular traffic. Officials have also made anti-skid chains mandatory for vehicles traveling on the Tangmarg-Gulmarg stretch and other hilly roads, which are open for traffic. The bad weather also affected the air traffic since Moring 4 flights coming to Kashmir were diverted to other stations. 

Locals, tourists, traders and authorities have welcomed the wet spell in Jammu and Kashmir, which ended the two-month-long dry spell in Jammu and Kashmir. 

The rain and snow have already begun to "wash down" suspended particulate matter (SPM), clearing the heavy smog and Fog that plagued the valley. The moisture is expected to mitigate the "dry cold" that led to a sharp rise in respiratory ailments, such as persistent coughs and the common cold. It will also affect major rivers, streams, and springs reached critically low discharge levels, to recharge again.

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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah noted that the snowfall will help replenish shrinking glaciers, streams, and springs that had reached alarmingly low levels during the dry spell. 

While the snow brings joy, the fresh snowfall has significantly boosted morale among tourism stakeholders and residents as it effectively ends a nearly 60-day dry spell that has made very few tourist arrivals in Kashmir. 

The snowfall is seen as a "game-changer" for the winter season, which had been struggling due to the dry weather. Stakeholders expect a major surge in tourist arrivals for Christmas and New Year's Eve as destinations like Gulmarg and Sonamarg transform into "winter wonderlands" with this snowfall. 

The snow allows for the commencement of adventure activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snow-biking in Gulmarg. Hotel owners and houseboat operators, who reported vacant rooms and negligible footfall during the dry November, are now anticipating high occupancy rates. 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, predicting that this wet spell will continue for the next 24 to 48 hours, with the possibility of more widespread snowfall. Authorities have advised tourists and transporters to be cautious of slippery roads and potential travel disruptions on key highways.