Kashmir experienced heavy snowfall, leading to widespread disruptions across the region. Areas in the Valley, especially at higher altitudes, received between 18 and 30 inches of snow. The popular ski resort of Gulmarg recorded 15 inches, while cities like Srinagar, Budgam, and Kupwara saw between 2 and 6 inches. The snowstorm brought travel and daily activities to a halt, raising concerns about the region’s ability to handle such extreme weather.
The immediate impact was severe for both locals and tourists. At Srinagar Airport, flights were delayed or rescheduled due to poor visibility, leaving passengers stranded. Abid Ahmad, a resident of Shalteng Srinagar, was relieved when his flight to Mumbai, delayed from the morning to the afternoon, eventually took off. “We were worried at first, but thankfully, the flights resumed,” he said, describing the frustration of long wait times at the airport.
The snowstorm also caused the closure of the Srinagar-Jammu national highway early in the morning. Vehicles, including tourists and locals, were stranded in areas like Sonamarg, Gund, and Kangan. However, by 10 AM, the weather improved and the road was cleared, allowing traffic to resume in both directions. While Kashmir’s infrastructure has been improving, it is still not fully equipped to manage such heavy snowfall efficiently, putting a strain on both authorities and residents. Snow clearance efforts prioritized main roads, leaving some rural areas without access to essential services for a while.
The region’s power grid was also under pressure, with the electricity load reaching 1,200 MW, further straining the system. J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah confirmed that snow clearance was ongoing, with critical roads being prioritized, but acknowledged the challenges posed by the severe weather. The government is actively monitoring the situation, with officials visiting affected areas to coordinate relief efforts.
As the weather began to clear by late morning, daily life started returning to normal, but the snowfall’s impact was still felt. Locals struggled to reach workplaces and schools, and tourists worried about their travel plans. In Ganderbal, the police were active in helping both residents and tourists by deploying teams to assist those stranded by the snow, offering some relief to those stuck in remote areas.
This heavy snowfall has highlighted the region’s infrastructure challenges, especially when it comes to managing such extreme weather. The need for better snow management systems and more resilient road networks has become more apparent. While the weather is expected to remain dry through mid-January, many hope that the government will invest more in improving infrastructure to prevent future disruptions, particularly as heavy snowfall becomes more frequent.
Flights and road traffic have resumed as the skies cleared, but the disruption caused by the snowfall has underscored the vulnerabilities of the region’s infrastructure. From delayed flights to road closures and power outages, the event has shown the need for better preparedness. However, with continued efforts from local authorities and the resilience of the people, Kashmir is slowly returning to normal, with important lessons learned for handling future snowstorms.
