Suhail Khan
Srinagar, Dec 20: The Kashmir Valley is preparing for the onset of the traditional 40-day harsh winter period, known locally as ‘Chillai-Kalan,’ commencing on December 21. The region faces forecasts of widespread wet weather, including moderate to heavy snowfall in higher altitudes, even as a slight, temporary rise in nighttime temperatures was recorded on Saturday.
Officials from the Meteorological Department in Srinagar informed The Kashmir Convener that a weather system is predicted to affect the region from December 20-21, coinciding precisely with the start of Chillai-Kalan, which extends annually from December 21 to January 31.
According to the forecast, moderate to heavy snowfall is expected over Kashmir’s mountainous areas, while the plains may receive light to moderate rain or snow. This period typically brings the most frequent and intense snowfall of the season, leading to a sharp and sustained drop in temperatures across the valley.
The winter season has remained predominantly dry until now, a condition health officials associate with a recent increase in respiratory ailments such as cough and common cold.
Overnight, minimum temperatures improved marginally across Kashmir. Pulwama recorded the lowest temperature at minus 3.2 degrees Celsius. Srinagar city registered a low of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius, a notable increase from the previous night’s minus 2.1 degrees Celsius.
A dense morning fog blanketed Srinagar and other parts of the valley, particularly around water bodies. In the famed tourist destination of Gulmarg, the minimum temperature remained above freezing at 2 degrees Celsius.
Other recorded lows included Pahalgam at minus 1 degree Celsius, Kokernag at 0.8 degrees, Qazigund at minus 1 degree, and Kupwara at minus 0.7 degrees Celsius.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, stated that the administration has completed all necessary preparations for the anticipated snowfall, with particular focus on higher and border areas. He expressed optimism that the winter season would also provide a boost to tourism.
“Preparations have been finalized by the administration for snowfall along key axes, including Zojila and border regions, and adequate arrangements are in place across the valley. We also expect an increase in tourism,” Garg told Kashmir Convener on the sidelines of a cultural exhibition marking the start of Chillai-Kalan.
In a proactive response to forecasts of heavy snowfall in upper reaches, authorities have suspended all vehicular movement on the strategic 83-kilometre Bandipora-Gurez road as a precautionary measure. An order issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Gurez, Mukhtar Ahmad Ahanger mandates the suspension from 4:00 PM Friday until further notice for public safety reasons.
Separately, the SDM of Gulmarg has issued a traffic advisory for the vital Tangmarg-Gulmarg road. Upon the onset of precipitation, only vehicles equipped with anti-skid chains will be permitted, and a complete ban on all heavy vehicles will be enforced immediately. Authorities have urged strict compliance to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
Earlier on Friday, Mohd. Suleman Choudhary, Inspector General of Police (Traffic), Jammu & Kashmir, chaired a high-level review meeting with senior traffic police officers to assess preparedness in view of an adverse weather advisory forecasting heavy rainfall and snowfall across the Union Territory.
During the meeting, the IGP Traffic issued clear directives to ensure readiness for any eventuality. Officers were instructed to focus on vulnerable stretches such as Qazigund and Banihal. The SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir and SSP Traffic NHW Ramban were tasked with earmarking safe locations for vehicle parking in case of traffic suspension. SSPs Traffic for Srinagar and Jammu cities were directed to identify suitable holding areas and regulate movement towards snow-affected zones.
Choudhary emphasized the deployment of an adequate number of cranes, recovery vehicles, and breakdown assistance teams along National Highways for immediate clearance of stranded vehicles. He instructed officers to ensure sufficient manpower, coordinate with snow-clearance agencies, and deploy reflective barricades and signage. Enhanced visible traffic presence, timely dissemination of advisories via media, and close coordination with district administrations, NHAI, BRO, and other departments were also stressed. Traffic Control Units were directed to remain operational 24×7.
In view of ongoing snowfall in the upper reaches of Kokernag, the administration has issued a weather advisory to regulate movement on routes leading to Sinthan Top and Margan Top.
The SDM office cautioned that prevailing conditions pose threats of shooting stones, landslides, slippery surfaces, and reduced visibility, heightening accident risks.
The advisory states that movement from the Daksum and Gawran sides towards these tops will be contingent upon road clearance and safety assessments by concerned departments. All vehicle operators have been directed to adopt safety measures, including snow chains. The public has been urged to stay updated with weather bulletins, follow administrative instructions, and avoid non-essential travel and heavy vehicle movement until conditions improve. Contact numbers for relevant officials have been released for updates and emergencies.
With expectations high for the long-awaught snowfall, residents and tourists alike are eagerly anticipating the first major snow of the season.
Notably, these weather developments unfold as the Kashmir Valley grapples with a critical and worsening water crisis, driven by a severe and protracted deficit in precipitation. Scientists warn this signals a broader climatic shift—an emerging “silent emergency” that threatens not only the region’s famed landscapes but also the foundations of its economy and food security.
An alarming 83% shortfall in rainfall this season, categorized as “very low,” has drastically reduced flows in the region’s rivers, tributaries, and natural springs, jeopardizing water supplies across all ten districts. The impending snow from Chillai-Kalan is thus being watched with both hope and acute awareness of its critical role in replenishing the region’s water reserves.
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