Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Jan 23: A long-awaited, widespread snowfall finally blanketed the Kashmir Valley on Friday, bringing a mix of relief for its crucial water resources and immediate disruption to normal life, even as parts of the summer capital Srinagar remained surprisingly bereft of the white cover.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, addressing the twin narratives of the weather event, termed the snow a vital harvest.
Speaking to media as per Kashmir Convener CM Omar said that “Every year we wait the snow, this year its arrival was slightly delayed. But better late than never,” he said. He said its importance for summer water supply, particularly from the ongoing Chillai Kalan, the 40-day harshest winter period. “The snow that falls later does not last very long,” he stated, expressing gratitude for the January snowfall and praying for more.
However, the prelude to the snow—a fierce windstorm on Thursday night—left a trail of damage that became the administration’s immediate focus. Illustrating the severity, CM Abdullah revealed a stark statistic “We usually use 1700 MW of electricity daily, but today only 100 MW was used.” He attributed this to the near-complete shutdown of the power system due to high-speed winds. Department personnel, he said, were working to gradually restore the network.
CM Omar Abdullah stated, “The priority is electricity, roads, and then water; other things will follow later.” He said that priority roads were being cleared first, followed by others in a phased manner.
The snowfall’s impact was pervasive. All 26 flights at Srinagar’s Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport were cancelled for the day. Key arterial routes, including the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) near the Navyug Tunnel, the Mughal Road, and the Sinthan Pass road, were blocked due to snow accumulation and slippery conditions. The Jammu & Kashmir Traffic Police stated that traffic had been halted at safe locations as a precaution.
The District Administration in Rajouri ordered all schools to remain closed, a measure expected in other affected districts. Popular tourist destinations like Gulmarg and higher reaches of Kupwara, Baramulla, and Shopian received another spell of fresh snowfall.
Officials said men and machinery had been deployed to clear roads and restore connectivity, but continued snowfall was hampering progress.
Meanwhile, The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had forecast the widespread light to moderate rain and snow, with activity peaking on Friday. Another western disturbance is expected around January 26.
Amid the logistical challenges, the Chief Minister stated a curious anomaly of this weather spell. “The weather is strange; the entire valley has snow, even at the airport, but parts of Srinagar city have been deprived,” he said, ending with a prayer for snow in the city as well—a sentiment echoing both the practical needs and the perennial winter hope of the Kashmir valley.
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